Name: Taramasalata toast
Yield: 4
Ingredients: 75 gm bottarga, skinned and finely chopped (see note); 100 gm white bread, crusts removed, soaked in water for 10-15 minutes, drained and squeezed (about 3 slices); 1 onion, finely grated; 1½ lemons (juice only); 160 ml extra-virgin olive oil (2/3 cup); 8 thin slices sourdough bread, toasted, to serve; 8 thin slices bottarga, to serve

Taramasalata toast

A Gourmet Traveller Greek-style recipe for taramasalata, a spread made with smoked grey mullet roe and served with toast.

Serves 4

Serves 4 as part of a Greek seafood mezedes plate.

Ingredients

75 gm bottarga, skinned and finely chopped (see note)

100 gm white bread, crusts removed, soaked in water for 10-15 minutes, drained and squeezed (about 3 slices)

1 onion, finely grated

1½ lemons (juice only)

160 ml extra-virgin olive oil (2/3 cup)

8 thin slices sourdough bread, toasted, to serve

8 thin slices bottarga, to serve

Method

Main

1.Place bottarga in a mortar and, using a pestle, pound to a smooth paste. Combine bottarga, bread, onion and lemon juice in a food processor and process until smooth. While motor is running, gradually add oil and process until combined. Season to taste with sea salt and freshly ground black pepper, transfer to a bowl, cover and refrigerate until required.

2.To serve, spread toast generously with taramasalata and top with a slice of bottarga.

Note Bottarga (smoked grey mullet roe) was originally used in taramasalata until it became too costly. It’s available from select fishmongers. Use smoked cod roe if bottarga is unavailable.
Notes