Taramosalata, AKA Carp Roe Spread

Carp Roe Spread -
Taramosalata. Lynn Livanos Athan
  • 17 mins
  • Prep: 15 mins,
  • Cook: 2 mins
  • Yield: 32 servings
Ratings (21)

By Lynn Livanos Athan

Updated 05/07/18

The Greek meze (meh-ZEH) or appetizer table would not be complete without this traditional spread.

When I was young, my Grandmother would make taramosalata (tah-rah-moh-sah-LAH-tah) in an old wooden mortar called a gouthi (goo-THEE). She would pound the roe thoroughly with a large wooden pestle in order to break the eggs down and allow their flavor to blend with the other ingredients.

Today, using a food processor or blender is probably the easiest way to prepare the spread. You can find carp roe caviar or tarama (tah-rah-MAH) in jars at most Greek or Middle Eastern markets.

For an updated recipe, click here: 

What You'll Need

  • 8 slices of day-old white bread (crusts removed)
  • 4 tbsp. Tarama (carp roe caviar)
  • 2 tbsp. finely minced onion
  • 3/4 cup olive oil
  • 5 tbsp. fresh lemon juice

How to Make It

  1. Remove crusts from bread and soak slices briefly in a bowl of water. Squeeze out excess water and set aside.
  2. Add tarama and onion to food processor or blender and mix for approximately a minute or until well blended.
  3. Tear the bread into pieces and add to processor or blender. Mix until combined. With machine running, slowly drizzle the olive oil into the mixture forming a paste. Add the lemon juice a bit at a time and blend until smooth and creamy. If you prefer it tangier, you can add more lemon juice.
  1. Serve taramosalata with pita triangles or other bread for dipping and enjoy with a glass of chilled ouzo!
  2. This recipe can also be made using a traditional mortar and pestle.
Nutritional Guidelines (per serving)
Calories 54
Total Fat 5 g
Saturated Fat 1 g
Unsaturated Fat 4 g
Cholesterol 12 mg
Sodium 35 mg
Carbohydrates 1 g
Dietary Fiber 0 g
Protein 1 g
(The nutrition information on our recipes is calculated using an ingredient database and should be considered an estimate. Individual results may vary.)