Easy 4 ingredient taramosalata made without potatoes or bread
Αφράτη και εύκολη ταραμοσαλάτα με 4 υλικά. Have you ever eaten a cloud? We have, and it was pink! Now, you can too, because we are able to share with you Kyrio Iraklis’ incredible and easy 4 ingredient taramosalata. Not sure who Iraklis is? Have never heard of taramosalata? No worries, we got you.
Iraklis and his lovely wife Bessy have been Helen’s neighbours for 18 years. Their backyards are separated by a fence, which in the summer helps support Iraklis’ cucumbers and tomato plants. As far as neighbours go, you could hardly ask for anyone better. It is always comforting to know that the people living right next door are good, honest, and kind. If they can also cook, well, that’s a bonus!
Now retired for many years, Iraklis owned and worked in restaurants his entire life. It’s no surprise then that the man knows how to cook! Being Greek, it’s also no surprise that he rather regularly rings Helen’s doorbell bearing gifts. Sometimes it is fruit from Jean Talon Market, where, in retirement, he works during the summer. Other times it is a platter of desserts, like baklava or koulourakia that he has baked. When his garden is in harvest he offers her tomatoes, zucchinis and green beans. And then one day, when he knew that our entire family would be gathering for dinner, he shared a container of his easy, 4 ingredient taramosalata. We had never tasted anything like it!
What is taramosalata?
Taramosalata is a dip, or spread, made of carp roe called tarama. The tarama is usually combined with with either potatoes, as in the recipe we have posted (you can find that version of taramosalata here) or with bread. It is absolutely delicious spread on bread, used as a dip for crackers or veggies. Sources tell us that it is also great eaten by the spoonful.
Where to buy tarama
You can find tarama in most Greek or Mediterranean grocery stores. You can also find it online. It is usually a dark pink / orange colour, although you can also find tarama that is lighter. Either will be fine to make this easy 4 ingredient taramosalata.
How to make Iraklis’ easy 4 ingredient taramosalata
The reason that Iraklis’ version of taramosalata is so light and fluffy is because he actually does not use either potatoes or bread. It’s true! His taramosalata is made with a base of oil, which gets emulsified with the tarama, an onion and some fresh lemon juice. The result is like a mousse and it is out of this world!
Iraklis has a classic (also known as they don’t make them like the used to) Osterizer brand blender. His blender has a Stir option. If your blender has this option as well, then you can use it. Otherwise, set your blender speed to medium.
Taramosalata is nistisimo, and perfect for lent
Orthodox Christians follow strict fasting rules during period of lent. Meat, eggs and dairy are prohibited, but shellfish is permitted. Fish roe is also permitted, making taramosalata a popular option during lent. It is not only delicious, but the tarama is also nutritious and high in Omega 3 fats. It is also one of the only foods to contain Vitamin D, and is high in Vitamin B12, Vitamin A, Vitamin K2, zinc, and iodine.
Looking for more Greek spreads and dips? Check these out:
Eggplant dip (Μελιτζανοσαλάτα)
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Easy, four ingredient taramosalata
Equipment
- 1 Blender
Ingredients
- 1 cup yellow onion, roughly chopped
- 1/4 cup lemon juice
- 2 tbsp tarama heaping
- 3 cups canola oil
Instructions
- Add the yellow onion, lemon juice, tarama and 1 cup of the oil to your blender. Blend at medium speed or the "stir" option if your blender has one..1 cup yellow onion, roughly chopped, 1/4 cup lemon juice, 2 tbsp tarama, 3 cups canola oil
- With your blender still running, slowly pour in the remaining oil, 1/2 cup at a time. Turn blender off and stir with a rubber spatula occasionally to ensure that all the ingredients are being blended (clean off the sides of the blender).
- Keep blending until the taramosalata achieves a light and fluffy consistency. This should take a few minutes.
- Store the taramosalata in the refrigerator where it will keep fresh for at least 1 week.
- Enjoy!
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