HOW TO PREPARE TARAMOSALATA.

Taramosalata is a traditional Greek spread made from tarama, the salted and cured roe of fish (most commonly carp or cod), mixed with olive oil, lemon juice, and a base of bread or potatoes. Here’s a simple recipe for you:

Ingredients:

200g (7oz) tarama (fish roe)
200g (7oz) stale white bread (crusts removed) or 2 medium-sized boiled potatoes (optional, for a different texture)
200ml (7fl oz) extra virgin olive oil
Juice of 1-2 lemons (adjusted to taste)
1 small red onion or 2-3 spring onions, finely chopped (optional)
2-3 cloves of garlic, crushed (optional)
Freshly ground black pepper
A little water, if needed to adjust the consistency
Instructions:

Prepare the Base (Bread or Potatoes):

If using bread: Soak the bread in water for a few minutes. Once it’s soaked, squeeze out as much water as possible.
If using potatoes: Boil the potatoes until they are soft, then peel and mash them.
Mix the Tarama:

In a mixing bowl or a food processor, place the tarama, the prepared bread (or mashed potatoes), the finely chopped onion (if using), and garlic.
Blend Together:

Start blending the mixture, and while blending, slowly drizzle in the olive oil until the mixture starts to look smooth and creamy. You might not need to use all the olive oil, so add it gradually and check the consistency.
Add Lemon Juice:

Add the lemon juice, a little at a time, and continue to blend. Taste and adjust accordingly. If you prefer a sharper taste, you can add more lemon juice.
Adjust Consistency:

If the mixture is too thick, you can add a little water to adjust its consistency.
Season:

Season with freshly ground black pepper. Some tarama can be quite salty, so you might not need any additional salt. Always taste and adjust seasoning to your preference.
Refrigerate and Serve:

Transfer the taramosalata to a serving bowl and refrigerate for at least an hour before serving. This allows the flavors to meld together.
Serve chilled with warm pita bread, fresh vegetables, or as a spread on toast.
Enjoy your homemade taramosalata! Remember, you can always adjust the flavors to your preference by adding more or less lemon juice, garlic, or onion.