Tsiknopempti is a day loved by all meat fans. The smell of grilled food, tasty dishes, laughter, and gatherings fill homes and streets. It’s a day where tradition meets fun with friends and family, and every place has its own special customs.
Tsiknopempti always happens on the Thursday of the second week of Carnival, known as Meat Week. The week before is called Prophoni because it kicks off Carnival, while the next week is Cheese Week when we enjoy dairy products.
What if we don’t light charcoal? Tsiknopempti isn’t just for grill lovers. There are many ways to enjoy this meat-filled day without smoke and hassle. We can whip up tasty oven-roasted dishes like chicken, pork, sausages, or burgers with herbs and olive oil that turn out juicy and crispy without any charcoal.
No need for big preparations to feel the Tsiknopempti vibe. Small home celebrations with friends or family, some music, and tables full of flavors and smiles can make the day memorable. Tsiknopempti is all about good company, great taste, and joy. You don’t need smoke to feel the spirit; just a good mood, friends around you, and delicious dishes filling your home with flavors and smiles are enough. Even without lighting charcoal, we can celebrate while keeping the tradition and joy of Tsiknopempti alive.
MARINATED STEAK
Pick large steaks. Use this perfect marinade to give your meat a great texture and tenderness.
Easy
4 servings
12 minutes
10 minutes
Ingredients
large steaks 3 cm thick (preferably boneless) 1/2 cup
olive oil 1/2 cup
balsamic vinegar 2 sprigs
fresh rosemary 1 clove
garlic
Salt
Pepper (freshly ground) A little
arugula (small leaves)
Equipment
Sauté pan
Instructions
- Add olive oil, balsamic vinegar, rosemary leaves, garlic, salt, and pepper to a small blender.
- Puree to make a marinade that will enhance the flavor and tenderness of the steaks.
- Dab steaks dry with paper towels before placing them on a platter.
- Pour marinade over them.
- Smooth marinade over each steak thoroughly on all sides.
- Cover with plastic wrap.
- Let meat soak for at least 1 hour in the fridge.
- If you want more flavor, leave it overnight in the fridge.
- Brought to room temperature by resting on counter for 30 minutes.
- Dab off excess marinade from meat with paper towels.
- Heat grill pan or sauté pan over high heat.
- Add salt and pepper to steaks; sear until browned on both sides.
- If you want medium-rare, cook about 6 minutes per side.
- If you prefer more cooked meat, leave it longer on heat.
- Cover cooked steak; rest for 5 minutes before slicing diagonally into slices about 3/4 cm thick on cutting board with sharp knife.
- Serve immediately with salad if desired.
