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Authentic Kleftiko Recipe Greece, Europe
JUMP TO RECIPEWe strongly advise you to read the cooking tips before jumping to the recipe though
Introduction & history
Kleftiko is traditionally made with lamb, the preferred cuts being the leg or shoulder, prized for their tender texture when cooked slowly. The meat is marinated in a blend of robust Mediterranean flavors – lemon juice, olive oil, and a medley of herbs like oregano and rosemary, along with garlic and sometimes a touch of cinnamon for warmth. The meat is enveloped in parchment paper or aluminum foil, creating a steamy cocoon that locks in flavors and moisture, ensuring a succulent outcome, and slow-cooked until fall-apart tender. Historically, kleftiko was cooked in a sealed clay oven or a pit, allowing the meat to cook slowly and evenly, imbuing it with a rich, complex flavor profile. Today, vegetables, such as potatoes, carrots, and onions, are often cooked alongside the meat. They soak up the juices and herbs, becoming an integral part of the meal with their infused flavors. In some regional variations, cheese or tomatoes may be added for an extra layer of taste. Kleftiko is ... Read more
Recipe variations
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Classic Kelftiko
Ready in 5h 30minThe following recipe shows the classic and traditional kleftiko preparation, meaning just lamb, potatoes, and a few seasonings, namely bay leaves, oregano, garlic, salt, and pepper, all wrapped in parchment paper and baked long and slow. Traditionally, kleftiko is baked in a lidded clay pot, but any pot with a lid will also work.
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Lamb Kleftiko with Cheese
Ready in 4h 20minIn this variant, tender lamb is combined with flavorful seasonings and hearty potatoes. The lamb is marinated with garlic, rosemary, olive oil, and a mix of spices like chili flakes and cinnamon, then layered in a pan with baby potatoes and lemon for a zesty touch. Everything is topped with kefalotyri cheese and butter, enriching the dish with creamy textures. The entire meal cooks slowly in the oven, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully. This dish is an easy yet satisfying option for any dinner occasion, offering both comfort and a touch of sophistication.
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Lamb Kelftiko with Roasted Vegetables
Ready in 6h 30minIn this variant, boneless lamb leg pieces are marinated in a mix of olive oil, white wine, mustard, lemon juice, oregano, and garlic. Vegetables, namely red onions and bell peppers, are added to the meat and marinade as well. After marinating, the ingredients are wrapped in parchment paper, allowing the lamb and vegetables to cook together slowly in their juices. This method ensures the lamb is tender and the vegetables are perfectly roasted. Once cooked, this simple yet satisfying dish is great for a family dinner, offering a comforting taste with every bite. The recipe is adapted from MyGreekDish.com, a website dedicated to traditional Greek and Cypriot food. There, it garnered a 5-star rating, with close to a thousand votes, and at TasteAtlas, it passed the test with flying colors as well.
Classic Kelftiko
PREP 30min
COOK 5h
READY IN 5h 30min
The following recipe shows the classic and traditional kleftiko preparation, meaning just lamb, potatoes, and a few seasonings, namely bay leaves, oregano, garlic, salt, and pepper, all wrapped in parchment paper and baked long and slow. Traditionally, kleftiko is baked in a lidded clay pot, but any pot with a lid will also work.
Ingredients
2 kg bone-in lamb shoulder in 4 pieces, or 4 lamb legs
4 potatoes, peeled and divided (optional)
4 bay leaves
2 tablespoons fresh oregano, chopped (or 1 tablespoon dried)
4 cloves garlic, divided
salt & pepper, to taste
Preparation
Step 1/4
Set your oven to preheat to 150°C/300°F. Then, prepare 4 large squares of parchment paper.
Step 2/4
Place each piece of meat and one potato on each of the four squares of the parchment and season with salt, pepper, and oregano. Add a bay leaf and a garlic clove to each and wrap tightly, securing with twine.
Step 3/4
Place these parcels in a clay pot with a lid or a heavy pan that you then seal with aluminum foil.
Step 4/4
Bake for 4-5 hours.
Other Variations
-
Lamb Kleftiko with Cheese
Ready in 4h 20minIn this variant, tender lamb is combined with flavorful seasonings and hearty potatoes. The lamb is marinated with garlic, rosemary, olive oil, and a mix of spices like chili flakes and cinnamon, then layered in a pan with baby potatoes and lemon for a zesty touch. Everything is topped with kefalotyri cheese and butter, enriching the dish with creamy textures. The entire meal cooks slowly in the oven, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully. This dish is an easy yet satisfying option for any dinner occasion, offering both comfort and a touch of sophistication.
-
Lamb Kelftiko with Roasted Vegetables
Ready in 6h 30minIn this variant, boneless lamb leg pieces are marinated in a mix of olive oil, white wine, mustard, lemon juice, oregano, and garlic. Vegetables, namely red onions and bell peppers, are added to the meat and marinade as well. After marinating, the ingredients are wrapped in parchment paper, allowing the lamb and vegetables to cook together slowly in their juices. This method ensures the lamb is tender and the vegetables are perfectly roasted. Once cooked, this simple yet satisfying dish is great for a family dinner, offering a comforting taste with every bite. The recipe is adapted from MyGreekDish.com, a website dedicated to traditional Greek and Cypriot food. There, it garnered a 5-star rating, with close to a thousand votes, and at TasteAtlas, it passed the test with flying colors as well.
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