March 11, 2024 marks the beginning of Tyrini, also known as Cheesefare Week. This is the week that precedes Great Lent in the Orthodox tradition, when meals focus on eggs, fish, dairy and especially cheese. The Greek word tyri means cheese, and during this week families traditionally celebrate and enjoy a variety of cheese-centered dishes. To help you observe Tyrini Week, here is a practical meal plan with ideas for breakfasts, lunches, dinners, snacks and desserts that honor this delicious tradition.
For many, the weeks leading up to Orthodox Easter are a favorite time of year. Tyrini Week closes out the carnival season in Greece and prepares households for the more austere days of Great Lent, which begin on Kathara Deftera (Clean or Ash Monday). During this week you may enjoy dairy, eggs, fish and seafood, wine and olive oil; red meat and poultry are traditionally avoided. Historically, Tyrini helps families use up dairy and egg supplies before Lent, while Meatfare Week that precedes it helps use up meats. The result is a week filled with comforting, flavorful dishes built around cheese and eggs.
Download your FREE Meal Plan for 2024
Click the download button to get the Tyrini Week meal plan and access all included recipes for free. The plan is designed to be practical and flexible, whether you cook for a family, a household of two, or need easy options for packed lunches. Download and print the PDF to keep the plan handy in your kitchen.
Helpful hints
Use the meal plan as a guide
This meal plan was designed with busy lives in mind. Lunch recipes are chosen to be easy to reheat at an office microwave or to eat cold or at room temperature. If a suggested lunch doesn’t suit your situation—such as a grilled cheese meant for home—you can swap it for a simple cheese-and-tomato sandwich when you’ll be away from home. The goal is convenience without sacrificing flavor.
Flexibility and substitutions
You don’t need to follow the plan rigidly. Swap meals, adjust portion sizes, and substitute ingredients based on what you have on hand or dietary needs. The plan highlights many classic Greek preparations that showcase cheese and eggs: crostini topped with feta and fruit, grilled soft cheeses drizzled with honey, and savory baked fritters made with zucchini and feta. These can be swapped into any day of the plan for variety.
Frequently asked questions
What foods are permitted, and which are not allowed during Tyrini or Cheesefare week?
During Tyrini Week, all foods except red meat and chicken are traditionally permitted. That includes dairy products, eggs, fish and seafood, certain oils and wine. This allows for many rich and savory preparations centered on cheese and eggs while observing the transition away from meat before Great Lent.
How can I access the recipes in the meal plan?
Recipes listed in the meal plan are referenced by name; where available they link to full recipe posts with ingredient lists and step-by-step instructions. Use the meal plan online for quick access to recipes, or download and print the PDF to keep a physical copy in your kitchen. The printed plan remains a useful reference when cooking or shopping for ingredients.
Related recipes
One week is not enough to include all the wonderful recipes that highlight cheese, eggs and fish. Below are a few classic suggestions you may want to add to your Tyrini Week menu. Each dish brings a distinct texture and flavor that complements the season.
Fried small fish (psaria tiganita): Lightly floured and fried until crisp, these tiny whole fish are often eaten head-to-tail. They are a beloved Greek seaside treat, simple yet full of flavor when served with lemon and a sprinkle of salt.
Alevropita: A quick, rustic flat pie made with flour and feta. It requires minimal ingredients and preparation, and it makes a satisfying accompaniment to a light meal or soup.
Kourkoutopita with trahana: A hearty rustic pita made with trahana, a traditional dried grain product, and plenty of cheese. This comforting pie has a uniquely grainy texture and a rich, savory character that pairs well with a simple salad.
