Authentic Italian Cecina: A Simple and Savory Chickpea Flatbread Recipe

Ingredients

  • 2 lbs flank steak
  • 1 cup of lime juice
  • 1/2 cup of orange juice
  • 4 cloves of garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon of salt
  • 1 teaspoon of ground black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon of ground cumin
  • 1/2 cup of vegetable oil

Steps and instructions

  1. Place the flank steak in a large dish.
  2. In a bowl, combine lime juice, orange juice, minced garlic, salt, black pepper, and cumin. Mix well.
  3. Pour the mixture over the flank steak, making sure every part is well coated. Leave it to marinate for at least 2 hours, or overnight for best results.
  4. Preheat your grill or pan over medium heat and lightly oil the grate or pan.
  5. Remove the steak from the marinade and pat it dry with kitchen paper. Reserve the marinade.
  6. Grill the steak on each side for about 6-7 minutes, or until it reaches your desired level of doneness.
  7. While the steak is grilling, heat the reserved marinade in a small saucepan. Bring it to a boil then let it simmer.
  8. Once the steak is cooked, remove it from the grill and let it rest for about 5 minutes.
  9. Slice the steak against the grain, drizzle it with the heated marinade, and serve.

Tools for making

Recipe variations

  • Use a different cut of beef, such as skirt steak or ribeye, instead of flank steak.
  • Add sliced onions and bell peppers to the marinade for added flavor.
  • Try using different citrus juices, such as lemon or grapefruit, in place of lime and orange juice.
  • Add some spice to the marinade with chili powder, chipotle peppers, or hot sauce.
  • For a smoky twist, marinate the steak with smoked paprika or liquid smoke.
  • Make it vegetarian by using sliced portobello mushrooms or tofu instead of beef.
  • Experiment with different herbs and spices, such as oregano, thyme, or coriander.
  • Serve the cecina with tortillas, guacamole, salsa, and other traditional Mexican toppings.
  • For a gluten-free option, replace the soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos.
  • Add a touch of sweetness by including a tablespoon of honey or brown sugar to the marinade.

Recipe overview

Cecina is a traditional Mexican dish that features deliciously marinated flank steak. This recipe beautifully combines the citrusy tang of lime and orange juice with the robust flavors of garlic, cumin, and black pepper to create a marinade that deeply infuses the steak. After marinating, the steak is grilled to perfection, making it wonderfully juicy and tender. The reserved marinade, heated and drizzled over the cooked steak, adds an extra layer of flavor. This recipe is straightforward and easy to follow, which makes it perfect for those trying Cecina for the first time. Expect a flavorful and satisfying dish that pairs well with a variety of sides. Enjoy the process of making Cecina and the delightful dining experience it provides.

Common questions

  1. Can I use a different cut of meat?
    Yes, you can use a different cut of meat such as skirt steak or hanger steak for this recipe. However, keep in mind that the cooking time may vary.
  2. Can I substitute the lime and orange juice with lemon juice?
    While lime and orange juice provide a unique flavor to the marinade, you can substitute them with lemon juice if needed. The taste will be slightly different, but it will still work well.
  3. Can I marinate the steak for less than 2 hours?
    Yes, you can marinate the steak for less than 2 hours if you're short on time. However, keep in mind that the longer the steak marinates, the more flavor it will absorb.
  4. Can I use a grill pan instead of an outdoor grill?
    Absolutely! You can use a grill pan instead of an outdoor grill to cook the steak. Just make sure to preheat the grill pan and lightly oil it before grilling the steak.
  5. Can I make the marinade in advance?
    Yes, you can prepare the marinade in advance and store it in the refrigerator. When you're ready to marinate the steak, simply pour the chilled marinade over the meat.
  6. Do I have to boil the reserved marinade?
    Boiling the reserved marinade helps to kill any bacteria that may be present due to the raw meat. It's important to bring it to a boil before reducing the heat and simmering.

Serving dishes and utensils

  • Grill or Pan - A grill or pan is needed to cook the flank steak.
  • Tongs - Tongs are useful for flipping the steak while grilling.
  • Large dish - A large dish is needed to marinate the flank steak.
  • Bowl - A bowl is required to mix the marinade ingredients.
  • Kitchen paper - Kitchen paper is needed to pat dry the steak after marinating.
  • Small saucepan - A small saucepan is used to heat the reserved marinade.

Origin stories

Hailing from the charming Tuscan region of Italy, Cecina is a traditional dish with an interesting history. The name "Cecina" itself means "made of chickpeas", and it indeed started as a chickpea flatbread, common to the coastal areas of Tuscany. But as immigrants from Italy brought their beloved recipes to the New World, Cecina evolved in different directions. In Mexico, Cecina transformed from a humble flatbread to a flavorful, marinated beef dish, often served with tortillas and a smoky salsa. This culinary evolution is a beautiful example of how food adapts and changes with the people who love and prepare it, carrying a piece of home wherever it goes. It's not just a meal; it's a testament to the resilience and adaptability of cultural traditions.

Disclaimer: This recipe was not created by humans and we cannot ensure that it will turn out as expected. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this recipe (including steps, ingredients, nutritional information, and all sections on this page). You should check to make sure you are not allergic to any ingredients and take safety precautions while making this. The images on this page are generated by AI and may not accurately represent the result of making this recipe.