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Easy Slow Cooked Greek Lamb (Lamb Kleftiko) Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.9 from 85 reviews
  • Author: Megane
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 4 hours
  • Total Time: 4 hours 15 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings
  • Category: Main Dish
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Greek

Description

This Easy Slow Cooked Greek Lamb, also known as Lamb Kleftiko, is a classic Mediterranean dish featuring tender lamb slow-roasted with lemon, garlic, and aromatic herbs alongside deliciously roasted potatoes and vegetables. Perfect for family gatherings or special occasions, the lamb falls apart beautifully after hours of gentle cooking, absorbing the vibrant flavors of cinnamon, oregano, and fresh lemon. Served with feta, tzatziki or Greek yogurt, and fresh salad, this dish delivers authentic Greek comfort in every bite.

Ingredients

Scale

Lamb and Marinade

  • 2 pounds leg of lamb (bone in, or lamb shoulder)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1 lemon
  • 1 head of garlic

Vegetables

  • 2 pounds potatoes (peeled and cut into large wedges)
  • 3 large tomatoes (cut into big chunks)
  • 1 red pepper (cut into large chunks)
  • 1 large or 2 smaller red onions (peeled and chopped into chunks)
  • 3 bay leaves
  • Salt and pepper to taste

To Serve

  • Feta cheese
  • Tzatziki or Greek yogurt
  • Salad leaves
  • Fresh crusty bread

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 160°C (320°F), setting the stage for slow roasting that will gently tenderize the lamb and vegetables.
  2. Prepare the Vegetables: In an oven-proof pot or deep roasting pan, place the potato wedges, tomato chunks, red pepper pieces, chopped red onions, and bay leaves. Season generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper to enhance the flavors.
  3. Position the Lamb: Sit the leg of lamb on top of the vegetable bed, ensuring the fat side is facing upwards. This will baste the meat during cooking and keep it succulent.
  4. Season the Lamb: Rub the lamb all over with olive oil, then sprinkle with dried oregano and ground cinnamon. Squeeze the juice of half a lemon over the lamb for fresh citrus notes.
  5. Insert Garlic: Peel half of the garlic cloves and roughly chop them. Make small slits all over the lamb with a sharp knife and carefully insert these garlic chunks into the slits, infusing the meat with aromatic garlic flavor.
  6. Add Remaining Garlic and Lemon: Tuck the remaining unpeeled garlic cloves around the lamb and vegetables. Squeeze the juice of the other half of the lemon over the potatoes and veggies for balanced zestiness. Pour just under a cup (approximately 200ml) of water over the mixture to keep it moist during roasting.
  7. Slow Roast Covered: Cover the pot with a lid or tightly seal with foil if using a roasting dish. Place in the oven and roast for 4 hours until the lamb is tender enough to fall apart. Check the dish halfway through and again at about two-thirds of the cooking time, adding a few drizzles of water if the dish looks dry.
  8. Crisp and Brown: About 15 minutes before the cooking time ends, add a splash more water if needed and increase the oven temperature to 220°C (430°F). Remove the lid or foil and roast uncovered to allow the potatoes and vegetables to brown and develop lovely caramelized edges.
  9. Final Touches and Serve: Remove bay leaves from the dish. Serve the slow-cooked lamb and vegetables with a sprinkle of crumbled feta, a dollop of tzatziki or Greek yogurt, alongside fresh olive oil drizzled toasts and green salad leaves for a complete Mediterranean feast.

Notes

  • This recipe is a simple yet authentic way to enjoy Greek-style slow-cooked lamb with minimal fuss and maximum flavor.
  • Using bone-in lamb adds richness and depth to the dish, but lamb shoulder can be a good alternative if preferred.
  • Make sure to check the dish during cooking and add water as needed to prevent drying out.
  • The final high-heat roasting step gives the potatoes and vegetables a delightful golden color and texture.
  • Serving with traditional accompaniments like feta, tzatziki, and crusty bread balances the dish with creamy and fresh elements.
  • Perfect for making ahead and warming back gently if prepared the day before.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 290 kcal
  • Sugar: 5 g
  • Sodium: 73 mg
  • Fat: 7 g
  • Saturated Fat: 2 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 34 g
  • Fiber: 6 g
  • Protein: 24 g
  • Cholesterol: 61 mg

Find it online: https://comfortplates.com/easy-slow-cooked-greek-lamb-lamb-kleftiko-recipe/