Print

Lamb Kleftiko (Greek Slow-Roasted Lamb): A Rustic and Flavorful Feast from the Mountains of Greece

Print Recipe

Lamb Kleftiko is one of Greece’s most iconic dishes, known for its melt-in-the-mouth tenderness and deep Mediterranean flavors. Traditionally cooked in sealed parcels to lock in juices, this slow-roasted lamb dish is infused with garlic, lemon, and herbs, creating a savory aroma that fills the kitchen. The name Kleftiko traces back to the word “kleftes,” the mountain rebels of Greece, who would cook stolen lamb hidden in underground ovens so the smoke wouldn’t reveal their location. Today, it’s a celebratory meal, perfect for Sunday feasts, Easter gatherings, or whenever you want to serve something truly special.

Ingredients

Scale

  • 3 ½–4 lbs (1.5–1.8 kg) bone-in lamb shoulder or leg

  • 4–5 garlic cloves, sliced

  • Juice of 2 lemons

  • Zest of 1 lemon

  • 3 tbsp olive oil

  • 1 tbsp dried oregano

  • 1 tsp dried thyme

  • 1 tsp dried rosemary

  • 1 tsp ground cinnamon (optional, for warmth)

  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

  • 1 ½ lbs (700 g) baby potatoes, halved

  • 2 red onions, cut into wedges

  • 2 bell peppers, sliced

  • 2 tomatoes, quartered

  • 1 cup feta cheese, crumbled (for garnish)

  • Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 325°F (160°C).

  • Using a sharp knife, make small incisions all over the lamb and insert garlic slices into the cuts.

  • In a small bowl, mix lemon juice, lemon zest, olive oil, oregano, thyme, rosemary, cinnamon (if using), salt, and pepper. Rub this marinade all over the lamb.

  • Arrange potatoes, onions, peppers, and tomatoes in a large roasting pan. Place the lamb on top of the vegetables.

  • Pour any remaining marinade over the lamb and vegetables. Cover tightly with parchment paper and foil, sealing the edges to trap steam.

  • Roast in the oven for 3 ½–4 hours, until the lamb is tender enough to fall off the bone.

  • Remove foil in the last 20 minutes of cooking to let the lamb brown beautifully.

  • Garnish with crumbled feta and fresh parsley before serving.

Find it online: https://cookingworthy.com/lamb-kleftiko-greek-slow-roasted-lamb-a-rustic-and-flavorful-feast-from-the-mountains-of-greece/