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Greek Lamb Kleftiko

Greek Lamb Kleftiko roasts in a parcel with garlic, lemon, herbs, and potatoes, a traditional and luscious recipe.

Prep Time
15 mins
Cook Time
4 hrs
Additional Time
12 hrs
Servings: 4
Calories: 993 kcal
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Greek

Ingredients

For the marinade
  • 4 lbs leg of lamb on bone
  • 6 garlic cloves
  • ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons fresh herb leaves like oregano, rosemary, or thyme
  • 1 lemon juiced and zested
  • sea salt
  • freshly ground pepper
You also need
  • 2 lbs potatoes
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes or a whole tomato cut in ½ inch cubes
  • 8 oz kefalotiri cheese cut in ½ inch cubes
  • 1 cup Greek olives pitted
  • 3 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
  • 4-5 fresh herb sprigs like oregano, rosemary and thyme
  • 1 lemon
  • freshly ground pepper
  • dried oregano

Instructions

    Cup of Yum
  1. In a food processor, pulse the garlic cloves, 1 teaspoon sea salt, herbs, lemon zest, lemon juice, cinnamon, some black pepper, and 2-3 tbsp of extra virgin olive oil.Using a sharp knife, create many holes all over the lamb. Rub in the paste and push it into the holes. Transfer the lamb to a large pan (cover with cling wrap) or large ziplock bag, and marinate overnight or at least 3-4 hours.
  2. Use a large roasting pan. Cut two long pieces of parchment paper and place them in the pan in a cross position.
  3. Cut up the potatoes, tomato, and cheese.
  4. Place the leg of lamb in the middle of the pan, over the paper. Surround it with the potatoes. Add the tomatoes, cheese, and olives. Tuck some fresh rosemary sprigs and oregano sprigs all over.
  5. Add some lemon juice all over. Season potatoes and tomatoes with sea salt, and freshly ground pepper and dry oregano, and the rest of the olive oil.
  6. Fold the parchment paper over the lamb and cover everything. Tuck the paper sides in well. Roast lamb for 3.5 hours in a 320 F°/160°C oven.
  7. Open the parchment paper and roast lamb for another 30 minutes. Remove the lamb from the oven, and allow to rest for 30 minutes.

Notes

  • The lamb should be a deep brown, and the bone will be exposed.
  •  
  • The nutritional analysis is only an estimate based on available ingredients and the recipe’s preparation. 
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  • It is not mandatory, but marinating the lamb overnight will enhance its flavors to the maximum.
  • The total cooking time for the lamb is approx. 4 hours. The lamb should be a deep brown, and the bone will be exposed.

Nutrition Information

Calories 993kcal (50%) Carbohydrates 48g (16%) Protein 82g (164%) Fat 52g (80%) Saturated Fat 18g (90%) Polyunsaturated Fat 4g Monounsaturated Fat 27g Cholesterol 242mg (81%) Sodium 1138mg (47%) Potassium 1970mg (56%) Fiber 8g (32%) Sugar 3g (6%) Vitamin A 637IU (13%) Vitamin C 51mg (57%) Calcium 723mg (72%) Iron 9mg (50%)

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 4Serving

Amount Per Serving

Calories 993

% Daily Value*

Calories 993kcal 50%
Carbohydrates 48g 16%
Protein 82g 164%
Fat 52g 80%
Saturated Fat 18g 90%
Polyunsaturated Fat 4g 24%
Monounsaturated Fat 27g 135%
Cholesterol 242mg 81%
Sodium 1138mg 47%
Potassium 1970mg 42%
Fiber 8g 32%
Sugar 3g 6%
Vitamin A 637IU 13%
Vitamin C 51mg 57%
Calcium 723mg 72%
Iron 9mg 50%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.