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Kleftiko is a traditional Greek delicacy that is almost as old as history itself. It is a mouth-watering dish that combines the freshest of herbs, meat, and culture, which makes it an experience in itself. The dish is slow-cooked, which allows the meat to absorb all the flavors and juices, resulting in a tender and juicy dish. In this blog, we will talk about the history of kleftiko, its ingredients, and how to prepare it for a perfect meal. We will also go over serving suggestions, storage, and reheating options so that you can enjoy this timeless classic for days to come. If you have been looking for the perfect lamb dish that will make your taste buds dance, then you cannot afford to miss this post!
What is Kleftiko?
Kleftiko is a traditional celebratory dish served in Greece. This delicacy is a slow-roasted lamb dish with potatoes, then baked in parchment paper until meltingly tender. Cooking lamb in parchment paper emphasizes the flavors and aromas of the various herbs and spices used. What is unique about this dish is that it is traditionally cooked in makeshift earthen ovens. This practice dates back to ancient times when people would cook it in a hole in the ground that would keep the lamb sealed and insulated while it cooked for hours. Kleftiko’s popularity has spread across the Mediterranean and become a significant part of Cypriot cuisine as well as Greek cuisine.
What’s in Lamb Kleftiko?
Lamb Kleftiko, a traditional Greek dish, is made by slow-roasting lamb with potatoes, hard cheese, and Greek herbs such as rosemary, oregano and thyme. The dish is packed with flavor and is known to leave an unforgettable imprint on the taste buds. To ensure a complete meal, it is best to accompany Kleftiko with a side of Greek salad and freshly baked bread. The name of this recipe, “lamb kleftiko,” literally means stolen lamb because it was a common dish for Greek bandits (kleftes) who often stole sheep from nearby farms. Give this traditional Greek recipe a try to experience a delicious mix of meat, herbs, and culture.
Kleftiko History
Kleftiko is a famous lamb dish from the island of Crete in Greece, where lamb has been a staple food for centuries. The term “Kleftiko” is derived from the word “Kleftes,” meaning “thieves.” During the Ottoman Empire, Kleftes were a group of bandits living in the mountains, who were renowned for stealing lamb from local farmers. To cook this lamb without arousing suspicion, they would cover it with herbs, peppers, onions, and garlic, then cook it in an underground oven. Thus, Kleftiko got its name and a unique method of cooking.
Today, Kleftiko is a treasured dish in Greece, passed down from generation to generation. Modern chefs have reinvented this dish with different ingredients, but the core traditional flavors of herbs, meat, and culture are still present.
How to Make Kleftiko
Kleftiko is a traditional Greek dish that boasts the perfect combination of herbs, meat, and culture. Traditionally, Kleftiko is slow-cooked in wood-fired ovens or large terra cotta pots in the oven with aged stock. The dish is made using lamb with bone, potatoes, garlic, and thyme, and sometimes with an added zing of lemon or tomato. The meat and vegetables are wrapped in parchment paper and then baked in a covered container. The result is an incredibly tender and flavorful meal. Kleftiko is served hot with a side of roasted potatoes and green beans. With its rich flavors and delicious aroma, Kleftiko is an ideal meal for a large family and is perfect for celebrations.
Serving Suggestions
Kleftiko is traditionally served hot, making it perfect for a celebratory meal with friends and family. Serve it with a side of a classic Greek salad and freshly baked bread to soak up the cooking juices. You can add an extra indulgent twist by serving it with tzatziki, a Greek yogurt and cucumber dip that perfectly complements the flavors of the dish. Kleftiko is also a meal of slow-roasted lamb with vegetables and potatoes cooked in parchment paper. Make sure that everyone is seated around the table when you serve this mouthwatering delicacy.
Storage and Reheating
Kleftiko is a famous Greek dish that is a perfect combination of herbs, meat, and culture. The marinated meat is slow-cooked with potatoes and is well known for its tender and juicy taste. Once cooked, Kleftiko can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for a few days. To reheat it, pop it into the oven or microwave, ensuring that it is thoroughly reheated before serving. Before cooking, it is essential to marinate the meat with garlic, olive oil, and lemon juice, which gives it the perfect flavor and aroma that is so famous in Greek cuisine. With its delicious taste and versatile storing and reheating options, Kleftiko is an ideal dish for a dinner party or family meal.
Kleftiko Ingredients:
Kleftiko is a traditional Greek dish that typically consists of slow-cooked lamb, potatoes, and vegetables that are infused with Mediterranean herbs. The meat is marinated overnight in garlic, olive oil, lemon juice, and a plethora of herbs to ensure maximum flavor. Additionally, hard cheese is sometimes added to lend a tangy taste. The lamb is wrapped tightly in parchment paper or aluminum foil to keep the moisture locked in, slow-cooked to perfection to create a succulent and tender dish. Kleftiko is a perfect pairing of meat and ingredients that truly demonstrate the essence of Greek cuisine that originated in ancient times.
Potatoes, Onions and Peppers
Kleftiko is a delicious Greek dish that is known for its combination of herbs, meat, and culture. Some of the common ingredients in this dish include potatoes, hard cheese, onions, and peppers. These ingredients are usually cooked together with meat over a long period of time to create a flavorful and tender dish. The potatoes, onions, and peppers add a nice texture and flavor to the dish, while the hard cheese adds a richness and saltiness that complements the other flavors. Whether you’re looking to try a new dish or just want to experience the flavors of Greece, Kleftiko is a must-try dish that is sure to satisfy your taste buds.
Greek Marinade – Olive Oil, Garlic, Lemon, Honey and Oregano
One of the key ingredients in Kleftiko is the Greek marinade, which is made using a combination of olive oil, garlic, lemon juice, honey, and oregano. This marinade is divided into two parts, with one half used to marinate the lamb and the other half used to marinate the vegetables. To prepare the marinade, garlic cloves, lemon juice, olive oil, wine, rosemary, bay leaves, and oregano are combined. When making the marinade, it is important to use quality olive oil and to ensure that the lemon juice is added to provide a tangy flavor. The Greek marinade enhances the flavor profile of the Kleftiko dish and adds a distinct cultural touch to the meal.
Lamb leg, shoulder or shank (with bone-in)
Kleftiko, a popular Greek dish, is made with several key ingredients. The most important ingredient is lamb, specifically cuts of shoulder, leg or shank which contain bone. Spring lamb or baby lamb are recommended for the recipe. Marinating the meat overnight is also important for enhancing flavor and achieving a tender texture.
The cooking time for Kleftiko varies depending on the joint of lamb and its size. Shoulder is preferable as it becomes juicy and rich with slow cooking. Ultimately, the combination of these ingredients and cooking techniques results in a delicious and cultural dish that is enjoyed by many.
White Wine & Seasoning
White wine is a key ingredient in Kleftiko, a traditional Greek dish that combines meat and herbs for a delicious and flavourful meal. The wine not only adds a rich taste to the dish, but it also helps to steam the meat and vegetables during cooking. It can be added in various forms- in the vegetables and lemon shells, as well as a drizzle of olive oil, lemon juice, red wine vinegar, and ½ cup white wine in the marinade. Seasonings like fresh rosemary can also be added towards the end of cooking to further enhance the flavour. All these ingredients together bring a unique taste and culture to this dish which makes it irresistible.
Cyprus Lamb Kleftiko Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 leg of lamb
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 lemons, juiced and zested
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, chopped
- 3 cloves of garlic, crushed
- 2 teaspoons salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 3-4 large potatoes
- 1 large onion
- 3 bay leaves
- 500mL lamb or vegetable stock (16 oz)
- Feta or plain yogurt for serving
Cooking Instructions
- Create a mixture using the olive oil, lemon juice and zest, oregano, rosemary, cinnamon, garlic, salt, and black pepper.
- Rub the mixture into the leg of lamb and allow to rest covered in the refrigerator overnight.
- Dice the potatoes and onion and place along with the lamb and the marinade into a large slow cooker. Add the bay leaves and the stock.
- Cook on low-medium heat for at least 8 hours.
- Remove bay leaves. Serve with feta or plain yogurt.
How do you make kleftiko? Lamb Kleftiko Recipe (Greek Lamb Cooked in Parchment)
Want to try your hand at creating traditional Greek cuisine in your own home? Try making kleftiko, a delicious Greek lamb dish that is known for its perfect blend of herbs, meat, and culture. To create this dish, you will need to marinate the lamb in a mixture of herbs, lemon juice, and olive oil overnight. Then, wrap the lamb in parchment paper and place it in the oven on a low heat for several hours until the meat is tender and juicy. This cooking method helps to lock in the lamb’s natural flavors while allowing it to cook gently over a long period of time. Serve your kleftiko with a side of roasted vegetables and potatoes for an authentic Greek dining experience!
Description
Kleftiko is a classic Greek dish featuring lamb that is slowly cooked in parchment paper, resulting in a tender and flavorful meal. To make Kleftiko, start by marinating lamb in a combination of herbs and spices, such as garlic, rosemary, thyme, and oregano. Then, wrap the lamb in parchment paper and bake it in the oven for several hours. This slow cooking process allows the lamb to become tender and juicy, while also allowing the flavors of the herbs to infuse the meat. The end result is a mouth-watering dish that perfectly combines the flavors of the Mediterranean with the rich culture of Greece.
Cooking Instructions
For those who are interested in experiencing the ultimate combination of herbs, meat, and culture, Kleftiko is the perfect dish to try. The roast lamb is wrapped with a layer of fat, then baked for hours to tenderize it completely. It’s served with yummy potatoes and Greek signature sauces are the perfect accompaniment. This Greek lamb recipe is cooked in parchment paper, resulting in a deliciously tender and flavorful meal that is perfect for any occasion.
To prepare Kleftiko, you will need the following ingredients:
- 1 lamb shoulder
- 4 garlic cloves
- 4 sprigs thyme
- 4 sprigs rosemary
- 4 bay leaves
- 1 lemon, thinly sliced
- 1 large onion, sliced into rounds settes
- sea salt and black pepper to taste
- Extra-virgin olive oil (for brushing)
- 1/2 cup white wine
- Salt and pepper
- Parchment paper
Instructions:
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F.
2. Season the lamb shoulder with salt and pepper on both sides.
3. Cut four sheets of parchment paper and place them on a clean surface.
4. Divide the garlic, thyme, rosemary, bay leaves and lemon slices and place in each parchment paper. Place the lamb on top.
5. Divide the onions and place them over the lamb.
6. Pour the white wine over the lamb.
7. Wrap the lamb tightly in the parchment paper, making sure that the edges are all sealed.
8. Place the wrapped lamb on a baking sheet and bake for 4-5 hours until the lamb is cooked to your liking.
9. Serve hot and enjoy the delicious flavors of Kleftiko.
Video
If you’re looking to recreate the delicious taste of Kleftiko at home, this recipe for Greek lamb cooked in parchment is the perfect place to start. To begin, marinate the lamb in garlic, olive oil, and lemon juice to infuse it with flavor.
Next, wrap the lamb in parchment paper and let it cook slowly, allowing the meat to become melt-in-your-mouth tender. The result is a rustic and authentic dish that perfectly combines the flavors of herbs, meat, and culture.
For a step-by-step guide to making this recipe, be sure to check out the accompanying video, which will walk you through each stage of the process.
Can I cook it in a slow cooker?
Yes, you can cook Kleftiko in a slow cooker, although traditional methods use a clay oven to make it. For slow cooker, brown the lamb and potatoes separately, and then transfer them to a 6.5-liter slow cooker. You can cook it for 6 hours on high or about 9 hours on low. However, potatoes are not going to be crispy or browned but lamb will be melt-in-the-mouth delicious. You can brown the top by grilling or broiling the lamb and vegetables before serving. So, if you want to try something new and delicious, then Kleftiko is a perfect combination of herbs, meat, and culture!
Can I cook it in my Instant Pot/electric pressure cooker?
Yes, Kleftiko can be cooked in an Instant Pot or an electric pressure cooker without sacrificing the traditional flavor of this Greek dish. To make this dish in an electric pressure cooker, the lamb should be browned beforehand, and the potatoes sautéed. Then, it should be cooked on high pressure for around 45 minutes. Multi cookers like the Breville electric multi cooker also have a slow cooker setting. Kleftiko can be made in a slow cooker too, but it can take up to 9 hours. Before serving, the top of the lamb and vegetables can be browned under the grill (broiler) if the paler appearance is unappealing. Now you can enjoy the perfect combination of herbs, meat, and culture in a fraction of the time!
Kleftiko Cooking time
Kleftiko, a slow-roasted Greek dish made with lamb, potatoes, and vegetables, is known for its distinctive flavors and lengthy cooking time. The dish takes over two hours to cook, but the wait is worth it. The word “kleftiko” is derived from the word “klephts,” which was a group of Greek bandits who revolted against the oppressive Ottoman Empire. These bandits hid in the mountains, and the dish was originally cooked in makeshift earthen ovens in mountain caves. The tradition of cooking this dish continues to this day, with the flavors and heritage remaining unchanged. “Stolen lamb” is the literal translation of “Kleftiko,” a testament to the dish’s origins as a food fit for bandits.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is kleftiko?
Kleftiko is a traditional Greek dish typically made with lamb that is slow-cooked in parchment paper or foil, along with various vegetables and herbs, until it is tender and juicy. The dish is named after the Greek word for “thief,” as it was originally prepared by bandits who needed to cook their stolen meat while avoiding detection by wrapping it tightly in parchment paper and burying it in the ground to cook slowly over a fire. Today, kleftiko is a popular and flavorful dish enjoyed by many in Greece and beyond.
Is kleftiko gluten free?
While the dish itself does not contain gluten, it can vary depending on the specific ingredients and preparation methods used. For example, if the lamb has been marinated in a sauce containing gluten, or if the dish is served with bread or other gluten-containing sides, then it may not be gluten-free. If you have an allergy or sensitivity to gluten, it’s always a good idea to inquire about specific ingredients and preparation methods when ordering food or dining out to avoid any potential issues.
What are the benefits of eating kleftiko?
Kleftiko is a Greek dish that is typically made with slow-cooked lamb and potatoes, seasoned with herbs and lemon juice. Eating kleftiko can provide several health benefits, such as being a good source of protein and iron, supporting healthy bones, and improving digestion due to its fiber content. Additionally, the herbs used in the dish can have anti-inflammatory properties, potentially reducing the risk of certain chronic diseases. However, it is important to note that the nutritional value of kleftiko can vary based on the specific recipe and cooking method used.
People Also Ask Why is Cyprus lamb so good?
Cyprus lamb is considered to be of high quality and delicious taste due to several factors.
Firstly, the geography and climate of Cyprus provide ideal conditions for raising healthy and well-nourished sheep. The island’s mild Mediterranean climate, abundant sunshine, and fertile soil provide rich grazing land for the sheep to feed on, resulting in high-quality meat with a rich, distinctive flavor.
Secondly, the traditional rearing and feeding practices used by Cypriot farmers also contribute to the lamb’s superior taste. Cypriot farmers often allow their sheep to roam freely and graze on a variety of wild herbs and grasses, which impart unique flavors to the meat.
Finally, the methods of cooking and seasoning the lamb are also important. Cypriot cuisine is known for its use of herbs and spices, such as oregano, thyme, and rosemary, which are commonly used to flavor lamb dishes. Traditional Cypriot lamb dishes are often slow-cooked on a spit or grill, allowing the meat to absorb the flavors of the marinade and herbs.
Overall, Cyprus lamb is known for its succulent texture, distinctive flavor, and high quality, which is a result of the island’s favorable geography and climate, traditional farming practices, and flavorful cooking techniques
Conclusion
Kleftiko is a prized dish that combines succulent meat with a rich blend of herbs and spices from Greece’s tradition. You can recreate this culture-packed meal even without leaving your kitchen with our easy-to-follow recipe that brings you the best of Greek cuisine. Lamb Kleftiko is perfect for dinner parties or even a romantic date night, whatever you decide, try it out and see for yourself. Share your Kleftiko experience with your friends by sharing this blog on social media.
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