So, so, I was getting really exciting for Greek pic-nic and kite-flying day: Clean Monday or Kathari Deutera as we call it over here in Athens. Yet, for another year the weather has turned a little cloudy, a little too windy, and a little wet. Honest, I am no weather winger. I haven’t complained since I left London, it is steadily sunny and warm and soooo bright. But not this weekend! It’s going to be pouring down and anyone going to fly a kite is certain to re-enact Benjamin Franklin’s experiment. So food, console oneself with food. A light spinach salad with cod roe dressing.
You possibly know already that Clean Monday is synonymous with a sea-food feast. This brings together a table full of wonderful mezze and mains. Think of octopus, boiled or grilled, served with olive oil and vinegar; a lot of calamari, our favourite is fried. Pulses and pickles are on the spotlight too, think of lentil or black-eyed beans salads. And dips, from the famous tzatziki to taramasalata, which enjoys a very special day. Every family has its very own version, be it just with olive oil or potatoes.
Given the miserable weather, I think the menu of the day will incorporate a heart-warming bean soup – fasolada – along with some delinquent sides of shrimps and calamari and of course taramasalata. After experimenting with 3 different types of taramasalata, I played around with cod roe a bit more and what came out was a lovely dressing for salad. Crunchy spinach, peppery rocket leaves, succulent cherry tomatoes all topped off with a rich cod roe dressing.
Ingredients
- 400 gr spinach
- 150 gr rocket
- 15-20 cherry tomatoes
- For the dressing
- 1 tsp cod roe
- half an onion
- 100 ml olive oil
- pepper to taste
- 1 lemon for its juice to taste
Instructions
- Use a food processor to mix the cod roe and onion, for approximately a minute.
- Start adding the olive oil, bit by bit until you get a smooth and runny mixture.
- Add some fresh pepper and then the lemon juice, slowly and taste your dip to adjust it to your preferences.
- In a large box mix the spinach and rocket leaves and pour over the cod roe dressing.
- Toss and you are ready to serve
I hope you enjoy this delicious, peppery salad and if celebrating Kathari Deutera, perhaps the weather is shining on you and you will get a chance to fly a kite too!
from Athens with love,
by 
Hi Eugenia-lovely salad! Sorry the weather is not cooperating at present. Try to enjoy your day! Cheryl x
Thanks Cheryl – I won’t let it get me down – will get the kite out next weekend 😉
x
I love Taramasalata, but never thought about using it as a salad dressing. Will give it a try! 🙂
I’m glad you like taramasalata! this makes a nice change from the standard dip, hope you enjoy it!
What are rocket leaves? They look like dandelions leaves? You know how everything has different names in different places. Really looks refreshing. I am still waiting for the first hint of Spring. I think I saw buds today.
I think rocket leaves in the US go by the name arungula – very nice little treat. Glad to hear spring is approaching 🙂
I never considered using taramasalata as a dressing, genius!
Do, it’s lovely!
υπέροχη ιδέα! θα την δοκιμάσω!
φιλιά και καλό σ/κ!
Ελπίζω να σου αρέσει Εύη! 🙂