Our fantastic Greek Lamb Kleftiko is slow-roasted in a parchment parcel with garlic, lemon, herbs, and potatoes. This traditional, luscious recipe is melt-in-your-mouth delicious!

If you love our Greek Lamb Kleftiko, you will also love these Greek lemon potatoes with garlic and oreganoSpatchcock Chicken or Dutch Oven Roast Chicken!

A leg of lamb with potatoes, tomatoes, olives and herbs in parchment paper. Pin.
  • It’s delicious, traditional Greek food. A roasted Greek lamb and potatoes is one of the most classic Greek dishes. It is the traditional meal for Easter, done on a spit. Families also slow-roast it in the oven until the meat melts off the bone. No matter the method, itโ€™s Greek cooking at its best.
  • Why is this Greek lamb recipe called Kleftiko? The Greek word kleftiko means stolen.
    In the 1700s, during the Ottoman occupation of Greece, they were forced to take refuge in the mountains, fleeing from the authorities because they refused to bow to wealthy landowners. Unable to pay taxes or debts, they resorted to stealing goats or receiving secret aid from villagers. They were known as “kleftes” – thieves and had to cook their food discreetly to avoid detection. Their fugitive existence meant they couldn’t remain in the same place for the six or seven hours necessary to oversee the cooking of their meal.
    So, they dug a hollow in the ground, lit a fire inside, and covered the embers with branches and soil. They placed lamb or goat meat on top, allowing it to slowly roast for hours, infused with flavors like bay leaves, oregano, lemon, and wild garlic. The goat would cook in this earth oven for several hours with chunks of hard, spicy cheese. When they returned, they would enjoy their meal, referred to as “kleftiko” or “thieves’ dinner.”

Here is what you need

Kleftiko-leg of lamb recipe ingredients.
  • Lamb on the boneโ€”here I am using aย leg of lambย on the boneโ€”you can also use lamb shoulder on the bone. Having the bone-in means more flavor.
  • Yukon gold potatoesโ€”or baby gold potatoes. I love gold potatoes because they don’t need peeling and have a great buttery flavor.
  • Garlicโ€”it gives an immense flavor to the marinade. I also like tucking cloves between the potatoes and other ingredients for extra aroma (optional).
  • Fresh herbsโ€”Choose from oregano, rosemary, thyme, or sage. If fresh herbs are not available, use dried versions.
  • Lemonsโ€” a must-have ingredient in Greek cooking as they add brightness and flavor.
  • Cherry tomatoesโ€”slow roasted, they become sweet and savory, full of umami.
  • Kefalotiri cheeseโ€”This hard cheese is mainly used grated on pasta dishes or as a block for fried saganaki. It is cubed and roasted with everything else, adding aroma and flavor.
  • Greek olivesโ€”pitted. You may choose olives filled with red pepper or pimento if you like.
  • Extra virgin olive oil, dried oregano, ground cinnamon, sea salt and freshly ground pepper.

Detailed measurements and instructions can be found on the recipe card at the bottom of the page.

How to make lamb kleftiko

Marinating is key

Garlic, herbs, olive oil, in a food processor.
  • In a food processor, pulse the garlic cloves, sea salt, herbs, lemon zest, lemon juice, cinnamon, some black pepper, and 2-3 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil.


Garlic herb marinade on a piece of lamb in a roasting pan.
  • 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.
A leg of lamb kleftiko with tomatoes, potatoes, olives and herbs in parchment paper.
  • Cut up the potatoes, tomato, and cheese.
  • Use a large roasting pan. Cut two long pieces of parchment paper and place them in the pan in a cross position. Use more paper if necessary.
  • Place the leg of the 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.
  • Add lemon juice all over. Season the potatoes and tomatoes with sea salt, freshly ground pepper, dry oregano, and the rest of the olive oil.
A parchment paper parcel in a roasting pan.
  • 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 Fยฐ/160ยฐC oven.
  • Open the parchment paper and roast lamb for another 30 minutes. 
  • Remove the lamb from the oven and allow it to rest for 30 minutes.
A leg of lamb with potatoes, tomatoes, olives and herbs in parchment paper.
A leg of lamb with potatoes, tomatoes, olives and herbs in parchment paper.

Storage and reheating

olive oil guide

Everything You Wanted To Know About Olive Oil

Olive oil is an essential ingredient in the Greek cuisine.ย Greece is one of the largest producers of olive oil in the world. Learn a bit of its history, harvest, production, and how to choose the right olive oil for your recipes.

Cooked this? Rate this recipe! You can also leave a comment below. I love hearing from you!

WANT TO EAT LIKE A GREEK? Subscribe to my newsletter and follow me on FacebookPinterest, and Instagram for the latest updates.

The Greek Foodie Logo.
A leg of lamb with potatoes, tomatoes, olives and herbs in parchment paper.

Greek Lamb Kleftiko

by Jenny Skrapaliori Graves
Greek Lamb Kleftiko roasts in a parcel with garlic, lemon, herbs, and potatoes, a traditional and luscious recipe.
5 from 46 votes
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 4 hours
Marinating time 12 hours
Course Dinner
Cuisine Greek
Servings 4
Calories 993 kcal

Equipment

  • Parchment paper
  • large roasting pan

Ingredients
  

For the marinade

  • 4 lbs leg of lamb on bone
  • 6 garlic cloves
  • ยฝ 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 ยฝ inch cubes
  • 8 oz kefalotiri cheese cut in ยฝ 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
 

  • 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.
  • Use a large roasting pan. Cut two long pieces of parchment paper and place them in the pan in a cross position.
  • Cut up the potatoes, tomato, and cheese.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • Fold the parchment paper over the lamb and cover everything. Tuck the paper sides in well.ย 
    Roast lamb for 3.5 hours in a 320 Fยฐ/160ยฐC oven.
  • Open the parchment paper and roast lamb for another 30 minutes.ย 
    Remove the lamb from the oven, and allow to rest for 30 minutes.

Notes

  • 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.
ย 
The nutritional analysis is only an estimate based on available ingredients and the recipeโ€™s preparation.ย 

Nutrition

Calories: 993kcalCarbohydrates: 48gProtein: 82gFat: 52gSaturated Fat: 18gPolyunsaturated Fat: 4gMonounsaturated Fat: 27gCholesterol: 242mgSodium: 1138mgPotassium: 1970mgFiber: 8gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 637IUVitamin C: 51mgCalcium: 723mgIron: 9mg
Tried this recipe?Mention @thegreekfoodie__ or tag #thegreekfoodie__
Greek Lamb Kleftiko

Similar Posts