Ingredients
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1.2-1.5 kg lamb leg joint
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1 kg Potatoes peeled and diced
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100 g feta cheese diced
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1 pcs bell peppers roughly chopped
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2 pcs tomatoes roughly chopped
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1 pcs onion peeled roughly chopped
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3 pcs garlic cloves finely chopped
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1 lemon lemon juice
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150 ml White wine
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100 ml Olive oil
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1 teaspoon rosemary dried
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1 teaspoon oregano dried
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4 leaves Bay leaves
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a pinch Black pepper
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3-4 tablespoons Salt
Directions
Kleftiko is a traditional Greek slow-cooked stew, usually made from lamb, potatoes, hard cheese and Mediterranean herbs. Interestingly, kleftiko shares the same source with more familiar terms such as kleptomania or kleptocracy. Before we take you through the authentic Kleftiko recipe, let’s find out a little bit about its origin.
Kleftiko Origin: Greek Or Cypriot – A Perfect Mystery
Besides being a mouth-watering dish, the legend of how kleftiko originated is also interesting. It is named after Klephts, which literally means thief i.e., kléptein in Greek means to steal. There are multiple theories of how Kleftiko originated. Some of these are as follows:
The Klephts Theory: The Greek Legend
The Klephts, under Ottoman rule, were brigands who lived in the Greek countryside. Mostly they were anti-Ottoman insurgents, descendants of Greeks who retreated to the mountains in the fifteenth century to escape Turkish rule. The name of the dish itself could be translated as “in the style of the klephts”.
The Cyprus Theory: The Cypriot Legend
According to another theory, this dish was made in Cyprus during the 19th century, also at the time of the struggle for liberation from Turkish rule.
To survive, both Greek and Cypriot, Klephts stole, lambs or goats from local shepherds. The meat was prepared in holes in the ground that were sealed with mud, so that smoke could not be seen. Hence the custom of preparing today by wrapping the ingredients in baking paper.
Final Verdict: The Popularity Legend
Wherever kleftiko really originated, it is an irrefutable fact that it quickly became very popular and settled in traditional Greek cuisine. Apart from lamb, there are variants with goat or even with pork called exohiko.
With kleftiko, we strongly recommend serving Greek salad. One goes well with another. If you want to learn to make it, do check out our our specialized recipe.
This recipe for kleftiko as well as many other Greek recipes I got from my friend Kostas when I visited Thessaloniki.
Step By Step Guide To Making The Authentic Greek Lamb Kleftiko
Below steps will help you make this mouthwatering Greek delicacy with ease. So try it out and let us know in the comments how it turned out for you.
Steps
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1
Done
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The Marinade ConcoctionIn a deep bowl make the marinade use the garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, wine, rosemary, bay leaves and oregano. |
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2
Done
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Secret To Perfect Meat MarinatingSalt the meat well and coat it thoroughly with the marinade. Cover the meat and marinade bowl with foil and refrigerate for several hours or ideally overnight. |
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3
Done
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Mixing Of Potato, Cheese & MeatTake two pieces of parchment paper approx. 60 cm and fold them in a cross shape. First put the potatoes you cut in half, then put the diced cheese over, and the meat and the rest of the marinade on it. Season with black pepper to taste. |
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4
Done
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Wrapping & BakingFold the paper over, tie it on top and put it in the baking tray. |
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5
Done
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Serve Kleftiko With Greek SaladBake in the oven for 3 hours at 200-220 degrees. In the last half-hour open the parchment paper that the meat is roast and to get a nice crust. Serve kleftiko with Greek salads. |
