Tsiknopempti is one of our favorite times of year! This pre-Lenten celebration of meat feasting is a way to indulge before the fasting season of Orthodox Easter begins. Thinking of hosting your own Tsiknopempti feast? Here is our list of the Tsiknopempti essentials you will need for this meat eating tradition!

 

To cook you will need:

 

• Foukou BBQ

 

The most essential tool for the meat making festivities- your Foukou BBQ!

 

• Metal Skewers

 

Don’t forget, your metal skewers are a necessity for cooking your meats.

 

• Grill Rack

 

A grill rack is a must for grilling the things you cannot skewer!

 

• Charcoal

 

Charcoal is essential not only for creating the fire, but for that infamous smoky taste.

 

• Firelighters

 

These are extremely helpful when trying to start a strong enough fire for your BBQ!

 

 

To be cooked on the metal skewers:

 

• Souvla

 

A choice of Chicken, pork, or lamb… or preferably all three! Coat with a simple marinate of olive oil, salt, pepper, and oregano! 

 

• Sausages

 

A must have for any meat eating feast. BBQ and serve to perfection. 

 

• Sheftalia

 

Would tsiknopempti really be tsiknopempti without our favorite Cypriot treat? Sheftalia quite literally ‘melts in your mouth’

 

 

To be cooked on the grill rack:

 

• Lountza

 

Grill your lountza on the grill rack as is-as it is one of the healthiest, most delicious versions of cured, smoked pork, and doesn’t need any additions!

 

• Halloumi

 

Our nation’s favorite cheese - just cut it in thick slices, grill and serve!

 

• Pitta Bread

 

Spread a light coat of olive oil on each side of the pitta, grill, and dress with a sprinkle of oregano for that extra zing!