Salată tradițională cu icre de crap

Lore & Background

Salată tradițională cu icre de crap is a Romanian variant of the roe-based dip known in Greece as taramasalata. It is made with pike or carp roe, but generally with sunflower or vegetable oil instead of olive oil, sometimes with a thickener like white bread.

Reader's Guide

Salată tradițională cu icre de crap represents a standardized traditional food in Romania, recognized by the European Union as a Traditional Speciality Guaranteed. Its production method is codified under the Romanian departmental standard N.I.D. 927-70 N 23, ensuring consistency in its preparation. The dip is mass-produced and widely available in grocery shops and supermarkets, as well as being made at home, where chopped onions are commonly added. It has a consistency and taste similar to mayonnaise, with the roe taking the place of the egg as protein. This product is part of a broader family of roe-based spreads found across Eastern Europe and the Mediterranean, including the Greek taramasalata and the Scandinavian Smörgåskaviar. Its registration as an EU Traditional Speciality Guaranteed highlights its cultural and culinary significance within Romania.

Did You Know?

• Salată tradițională cu icre de crap is a popular homemade and store-bought spread in Romania.
• It is traditionally made with carp roe, sunflower oil, and sometimes a bit of bread for texture.