Klephtico, Lamb Kleftico, Stolen Lamb
Kleftiko is a legendary Greek lamb dish slow-roasted until melt-in-your-mouth tender, infused with garlic, lemon, and herbs. Wrapped and cooked low and slow, the lamb becomes gloriously succulent and rich with flavor. This dish embodies festivity, patience, and soul-nourishing warmth.
Easy
4
20 mins (plus overnight marinating)
3 hrs
520 / serving
Non-Veg
Above values do not change with any serving size changes you make below
Follow each phase with a cleaner flow from ingredient prep to final plating.
| 1.2 kg / 2.6 lbs lamb chuck, bone-in, cut into large chunks |
| 4 large potatoes, peeled and quartered |
| 2 large onions, cut into wedges |
| 4 cloves garlic, sliced |
| 2 bay leaves |
| 1 cinnamon quill |
| 3 whole ground allspice |
| 100 ml / 7 tbsp/½ cup olive oil |
| 2 lemon juice of 1, 1 sliced) |
| 200 ml / 7 fl oz/1 cup less 1 tbsp dry white wine |
| 1 tbsp dried oregano |
| 1 tsp dry mint |
1 Marinate lamb: Combine lamb chunks with olive oil, lemon juice, oregano, mint, salt, and pepper. Massage into meat. Cover and refrigerate overnight or minimum 4 hrs.
2 Prepare parcels: Preheat oven to 150°C/300°F. Cut two large sheets of parchment paper and two of foil (large enough to wrap everything).
3 Assemble: In a large bowl, toss marinated lamb with potatoes, onions, garlic slices, bay leaves, cinnamon, allspice, and wine. Arrange in center of parchment paper. Top with lemon slices.
4 Seal: Wrap tightly in parchment, then in foil, creating a sealed parcel. Place in deep roasting pan.
5 Slow cook: Roast for 3 hrs without opening. The lamb should be fall-off-the-bone tender.
6 Optional finish: For crispy edges, open parcel, increase heat to 200°C/400°F, roast 15 more mins.
7 Serve: Discard bay leaves and cinnamon. Serve hot with crusty bread to soak up juices.
Lamb is rich in high-quality protein, iron, zinc, and B12.
Slow cooking preserves nutrients.
Lemon juice aids iron absorption.
The traditional Cypriot method requires no added fat beyond olive oil.
Potatoes provide potassium and fiber.
Suitable for low-carb diets if potatoes are reduced.
Nutritional information is provided as a general guide only. Values may vary and should not replace professional medical or dietary advice.
Kleftiko is all about patience: lamb slow-roasted with garlic, herbs, and lemon until it melts in the mouth. The long cooking develops deep, rich flavour while the meat remains juicy. Perfect for sharing and for a celebratory meal.
Every forkful is layered with aromatic depth, making it a standout for weekends or special occasions.
Cypriot mountain villages developed cuisine shaped by Troodos highlands' cooler climate and agricultural opportunities distinct from coastal areas.
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Ingredient
