Romanian roe salad with real roe
Roe salad is only as good as the roe: masago, capelin roe, not a starch-bound jar mix. The emulsion is built like mayonnaise, oil in a thin stream, with just 2 tablespoons of cooked semolina for body. 25 minutes, keeps 3 days.
Instructions
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Defrosting
Masago defrosts 3-4 hours in the fridge. Once defrosted, use within 24 hours.
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The semolina ⏱ 5 min
Semolina and water over low heat, 5 minutes, stirring, until a thick paste. Cool COMPLETELY, or it breaks the emulsion.
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The emulsion
Cold semolina with half the masago in a bowl. Mixer at medium speed, oil poured in a thin stream, mayonnaise style, until pale and thick.
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Finishing
Fold in the rest of the masago with a spoon, keeping the eggs whole. Lemon juice gradually, tasting. Finely chopped onion at the end or on top.
Good to know
The difference from store-bought is the raw material: jars are mostly starch, little roe. Here masago is the star, with its fine, crunchy grain in every spoonful. Semolina stays, but as an extra: 2 tablespoons for body, not filler.
Frequently asked questions
Which roe for roe salad?
Classically carp or pike roe, but masago gives a crunchier grain and cleaner taste. What matters is real roe, not a starch mix.
Why does roe salad split?
Oil poured too fast or warm semolina. Thin stream with the mixer running, semolina fully cooled. If split, start over with a spoon of mustard and add the broken mix gradually.
How long does it keep?
3 days refrigerated in a sealed container. Defrosted, unused masago should be eaten within 24 hours and never refrozen.
How is it served?
On toasted bread with red onion and lemon. Or as a dip with raw vegetables, blini or crackers.
Ready to cook Seriosly?
Authentic taste isn't improvised, it's taken Seriosly.
Romanian roe salad with real roe
Romanian roe salad with real roe
Roe salad is only as good as the roe: masago, capelin roe, not a starch-bound jar mix. The emulsion is built like mayonnaise, oil in a thin stream, with just 2 tablespoons of cooked semolina for body. 25 minutes, keeps 3 days.
Notes
The difference from store-bought is the raw material: jars are mostly starch, little roe. Here masago is the star, with its fine, crunchy grain in every spoonful. Semolina stays, but as an extra: 2 tablespoons for body, not filler.
