Greek Kleftiko – an Ancient Dish to Enchant Your Palate

Kleftiko, also known as Greek lamb casserole, is an iconic dish of the Greek culinary tradition. With its simple ingredients and robust flavors, Kleftiko can be enjoyed in a variety of ways. It’s deeply-rooted beginnings come from medieval Greek bandits, who would bake their stolen sheep deep in the mountains. Today, this timeless classic is enjoyed by people of all ages and cultures, providing a simple yet satisfying meal that’s sure to please.

Kleftiko is an ideal recipe to make for an international dinner or special occasion. Though it may look intimidating and time consuming, it is surprisingly simple and rewarding to make. Enjoy this hearty meal any night of the week, or even as a part of a bigger Greek feast!

Greek Kleftiko Recipe

Ingredients:

– 2 pounds of boneless lamb shoulder, cut into small cubes
– 4 cloves of garlic, finely chopped
– 6 medium potatoes, cut into wedges
– 1 teaspoon of oregano
– 2 tablespoons of olive oil
– Juice of 1 lemon
– Salt & pepper
– ½ cup of water

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit.
2. Place the lamb, potatoes, garlic, oregano, olive oil, and lemon juice in a large casserole dish and stir all of the ingredients together.
3. Spread the ingredients in the dish evenly and cover the dish with aluminum foil.
4. Place the casserole in the oven and bake for about 90 minutes.
5. Remove the foil, add the water, and reduce the oven temperature to 350 degrees.
6. Continue baking for an additional 30 minutes or until the meat is thoroughly cooked.
7. Serve the Greek Kleftiko and enjoy!