Bottarga

Bottarga, also known as poutargue or boutargue, is often referred to as the caviar of the Mediterranean. This traditional gourmet product is particularly prized in Italy, Sardinia, and Corsica. Bottarga is made from dried mullet roe that is then coated in wax to stop the maturation process, giving it a unique texture and a very distinctive briny flavor. Naturally gluten-free, bottarga is not only delicious but is also renowned for its health benefits: it may help regulate cholesterol levels, enhance concentration, and combat cardiovascular diseases. Regarding cost, the price of bottarga varies depending on quality and origin, but it can generally be found starting from €200 per kilogram, with an average price around €230 per kilogram.

Bottarga can be incorporated into many recipes, particularly in pasta dishes like spaghetti, fettuccine, or linguine. To prepare a delicious bottarga pasta dish, simply grate the bottarga finely over the pasta immediately after cooking. Its briny flavor pairs perfectly with a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil, a squeeze of lemon, and fresh herbs or a creamy sauce. Grated bottarga can also be used to elevate simple dishes, such as a salad, risotto, scrambled eggs, or soft-boiled eggs. Mediterranean food enthusiasts enjoy savoring it as is, in thick slices as an appetizer, on good buttered sourdough bread, in thin slices on a starter, or shaved over a main dish.