Kleftiko is a traditional Greek dish. It is a succulent slow-cooked lamb dish packed with Mediterranean flavors. The lamb is marinated and slow-roasted in a parcel of parchment paper with herbs, vegetables, and feta cheese to create a melt-in-your-mouth meal.
Preparation Time
- Preparation: 20 minutes
- Marinating Time: 2-3 hours (overnight for best results)
- Cooking Time: 2.5-3 hours
- Total Time: 5-6 hours, including marinating time
Ingredients (For Four People)
- 1.5-2 kg lamb shoulder or leg, bone-in
- 4-5 medium potatoes, quartered
- 2 large onions, roughly chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, sliced
- 2 medium tomatoes, roughly chopped
- 100 g feta cheese, crumbled
- 2 sprigs fresh rosemary
- 2 teaspoons dried oregano
- Juice of 1 lemon
- 100 ml olive oil
- 200 ml white wine
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Parchment paper and foil for wrapping
1 tablespoon is circa 15 ml, and a teaspoon is circa 5 ml.
Preparation Method
Step 1: Marinate the Lamb
Mix the olive oil, lemon juice, oregano, and a pinch of salt and pepper in a large bowl. Rub the lamb with this marinade, coating it well. Cover and let the lamb marinate in the fridge for at least 2 hours or overnight for best results.
Step 2: Prepare the Vegetables
While the lamb is marinating, prepare the vegetables. Combine the potatoes, onions, garlic, tomatoes, and rosemary sprigs in a separate bowl. Toss them with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
Step 3: Assemble the Kleftiko
Preheat the oven to 160°C (320°F).
Lay a large piece of parchment paper on a baking sheet, followed by a layer of foil. Place the marinated lamb in the center, then surround it with the vegetables. Pour the white wine over the lamb and sprinkle the crumbled feta cheese.
Step 4: Wrap and Roast
Fold the parchment and foil around the lamb and vegetables to create a tightly sealed parcel. This will help to keep all the flavors locked in. Place the parcel in the oven and roast for 3-4 hours or until the lamb is tender and falls off the bone.
Step 5: Rest and Serve
Once the lamb is cooked, carefully open the parcel and let it rest for 10 minutes before serving. The meat should be incredibly tender and flavorful. Garnish with fresh rosemary and a squeeze of lemon juice before serving.
Tips and Tricks
- For a richer flavor, marinate the lamb overnight to develop the flavors fully.
- Be sure to wrap the lamb tightly in parchment paper and foil to retain the moisture and create a steamy environment inside the parcel.
- You can also use different cuts of lamb, such as lamb shanks if preferred.
Alternative Preparation Suggestions
- For a leaner option, you can replace lamb with chicken thighs, adjusting the cooking time accordingly.
- Add vegetables like zucchini or bell peppers for an even more colorful dish.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the lamb Kleftiko with roasted vegetables or a fresh Greek salad with cucumbers, tomatoes, and olives. A serving of crusty bread to soak up the juices is also recommended.
Wine Pairing
For this rich and hearty dish, a Greek red wine like Agiorgitiko or a medium-bodied Bulgarian Cabernet Sauvignon would beautifully complement the flavors.
Nutritional Information (per serving)
- Calories: 650 kcal
- Protein: 35g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fat: 40g
- Fiber: 6g
Dietary Modifications
- Ensure that all spices and ingredients are certified gluten-free for a gluten-free option.
- For a dairy-free version, omit the feta cheese and add more fresh herbs, such as parsley and thyme, to boost flavor.
Storage Suggestions
- Any leftover lamb can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. It can be reheated in the oven to maintain its tenderness or gently microwaved.
- Leftovers can also be shredded and used in sandwiches or wraps.
Interesting Facts
- Kleftiko is named after the “Klephts”, mountain bandits who fought against Ottoman rule in Greece. The dish was traditionally prepared by cooking lamb in underground pits to avoid detection.
- Today, Kleftiko is a celebratory dish in many Greek homes, particularly for festive occasions or family gatherings.
About Kleftiko
Kleftiko is a traditional Greek dish from the country’s rich and diverse culinary heritage. It showcases the essence of slow cooking, which allows the lamb to absorb the flavors of lemon, herbs, and wine while becoming incredibly tender. “Kleftiko” refers to the klephts, Greek mountain warriors and bandits during the Ottoman rule. The klephts would cook stolen lamb meat in underground ovens, hiding the food as it slow-roasted, which created this tender and flavorful dish. Over time, this secretive cooking technique evolved into a much-loved Greek recipe, celebrated for its simplicity and depth of flavor.
Cultural Context
Kleftiko is special in Greek culture, symbolizing resilience and a deep connection to the country’s history. The dish’s origins with the klephts, who fought against Ottoman oppression, gave it a heroic status in the Greek culinary world. Kleftiko is often served at festivals and special occasions, such as Easter or family celebrations, where traditional recipes are passed down through generations. Slow-cooking lamb is a staple in many Mediterranean countries. Still, Kleftiko, with its unique method of wrapping the lamb in parchment paper, allows the ingredients to retain their moisture and develop a robust flavor profile. The dish perfectly represents Greece’s use of simple, natural ingredients elevated through time-honored techniques.
