Kleftiko (Slow-roasted Lamb)

Name: Kleftiko (Slow-roasted Lamb)
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 3 min
Yield: 4
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Ingredients: 1.2 kg / 2.6 lbs lamb shoulder, 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 stick; 3 whole allspice berries; 100 ml / 7 tbsp/½ cup olive oil; 2 lemons (juice of 1, 1 sliced); 200 ml / 7 fl oz/1 cup less 1 tbsp dry white wine; 1 tbsp dried oregano (15 g / 0.35 oz); 1 tsp dried mint (5 g)

Klephtico, Lamb Kleftico, Stolen Lamb

Cyprus

Recipe Snapshot

The essentials, at a glance

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.

Mediterranean Main Course

Dairy-FreeGluten-FreeKeto-friendlyNut-Free

Difficulty

Easy

Servings

Prep Time

20 mins (plus overnight marinating)

Make Time

3 hrs

Calories

520 / serving

Diet

Non-Veg

Protein 38.8g

Fat 56.9g

Carbs 23.2g

Above values do not change with any serving size changes you make below

May not be suitable if you suffer with:

Acid Reflux

IBS

Cook Along

The Blueprint

Follow each phase with a cleaner flow from ingredient prep to final plating.

Track cooking progress forKleftiko (Slow-roasted Lamb)

STEP 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.

Instructions

Main

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.

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).

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.

Seal: Wrap tightly in parchment, then in foil, creating a sealed parcel. Place in deep roasting pan.

Slow cook: Roast for 3 hrs without opening. The lamb should be fall-off-the-bone tender.

Optional finish: For crispy edges, open parcel, increase heat to 200°C/400°F, roast 15 more mins.

Serve: Discard bay leaves and cinnamon. Serve hot with crusty bread to soak up juices.

Nutritional Benefits

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.

Instruction image unavailable for this step.

Kleftiko (Slow-roasted Lamb)

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.

From the Blog All Contributions

Fall-Apart Lamb Slow-Roast

Andrew T.

23 Feb 2026

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.