Appetizer for the festive holiday meal.

Festive Steak Recipe for the Holidays

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Marinating time: 4-6 hours
Cooking time: 1-2 hours (depending on method chosen)
Total: 4-8 hours (including marinating)
Number of servings: 6-8

Ingredients:

- 1 kg pork (or beef, depending on preference)
- 300 g sausage (choose smoked sausage for a rich taste)
- 1-2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, finely chopped
- 2 tbsp sweet or spicy paprika (according to preference)
- 1 tablespoon dried oregano
- 1 tablespoon dried thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 glass of red wine (optional but recommended for intense flavor)
- 1 lemon (juice and zest)
- 1 large onion, julienned
- 2 carrots, cut into strips
- 2-3 bay leaves
- 1 bunch fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish

Introduction:
Steak is an essential dish on festive meals, a true symbol of conviviality and celebration. This roast recipe is not only delicious but versatile, allowing you to adapt to your tastes and available ingredients. Marinating the meat with a mix of spices and flavors will turn every bite into a burst of flavor, perfect for impressing family and friends.

Ingredient tips:
- Choose fresh, high quality meat for a tender, juicy steak. If you're using pork, pork shoulder or chop options are great. For beef, a sirloin or sirloin steak is ideal.
- Sausages added to the dish will contribute a smoky flavor, intensifying the taste of the roast.
- Red wine is not just an ingredient but also a perfect partner to accompany the roast at a festive meal.

Step by step:

1. Preparing the marinade:
In a large bowl, whisk together olive oil, garlic, paprika, paprika, oregano, thyme, salt, pepper and lemon juice. If desired, add lemon zest for extra flavor. This is when the flavors will start to develop, so feel free to adjust your spices to taste.

2. Marinating meat:
Add the meat to the bowl and toss well with the marinade. Make sure every part of the meat is covered. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 4-6 hours. If you have time, let the meat marinate overnight for an even more intense flavor.

3. Preparing the vegetables:
While the meat marinates, chop onions and carrots. These vegetables will add sweetness and bulk to the dish.

4. Cooking the roast:
Choose your desired cooking method:
- Oven: Preheat the oven to 180°C. Place the meat in a roasting pan, add the chopped vegetables and bay leaves. Pour the red wine over the top, cover with aluminum foil and bake for 1-1.5 hours. Check occasionally and add water if necessary.
- To pan: Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the marinated meat and brown on all sides, then reduce the heat and add the vegetables, covering the pan. Simmer for 1-1.5 hours, until the meat is tender.

5. Serving:
Once the roast is done, let it rest for 10-15 minutes before carving. This step is essential to allow the juices to redistribute, resulting in a juicy roast. Cut the meat into thin slices and arrange on a platter, garnished with chopped fresh parsley.

Variations and serving suggestions:
- You can add baked potatoes or mashed potatoes as a garnish, and a mustard sauce or summer salad would complement this dish perfectly.
- The roast can also be served with traditional sarmale or meat appetizers such as smoked sausages, making for a varied and rich festive meal.

Calories and nutritional benefits:
This roast is an excellent source of protein, providing around 300-400 calories per serving, depending on the type of meat used and the toppings. Pork and beef contain essential vitamins, minerals such as iron and zinc, and are high in protein.

Frequently asked questions:
- Can I use chicken? Yes, the recipe can be adapted with chicken, but the cooking time will be halved.
- How can I spice up the roast? Add chopped chili peppers or chili sauce to the marinade for a more intense taste.
- Can I freeze steak? Yes, steak can be frozen, but it is recommended to eat it fresh to preserve the flavor and texture.

This festive roast recipe will bring a touch of joy and flavor to your meal. Don't forget to share the moments of this culinary experience with your loved ones, because cooking is ultimately about creating beautiful memories together. Enjoy!