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Herb-Crusted Lamb Kleftiko
GreekMedium

Herb-Crusted Lamb Kleftiko

Lamb rubbed with a thick paste of parsley, mint, and garlic before sealing.

Prep Time

25 min

Cook Time

2h 30m

Servings

2

Ingredients

  • 3 lbs Bone-in lamb leg or shoulder, cut into large chunks
  • 1 cup Fresh flat-leaf parsley
  • 0.5 cup Fresh mint leaves
  • 6 cloves Garlic cloves, peeled
  • 0.25 cup Extra virgin olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons Lemon juice
  • 1 tablespoon Dried oregano
  • 2 teaspoons Kosher salt
  • 1 teaspoon Black pepper
  • 1.5 lbs Yukon Gold potatoes, cubed
  • 4 oz Kefalotyri or Pecorino Romano cheese, cubed

Instructions

  1. 1

    Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C) and prepare four large sheets of parchment paper and four sheets of aluminum foil.

  2. 2

    In a food processor, pulse the parsley, mint, garlic, olive oil, lemon juice, oregano, salt, and pepper until it forms a thick, vibrant green paste.

  3. 3

    Place the lamb chunks in a large mixing bowl and rub them thoroughly with the herb paste until every piece is heavily coated.

  4. 4

    In a separate bowl, toss the cubed potatoes with a drizzle of olive oil and a pinch of salt, then divide them into four equal portions.

  5. 5

    Lay a sheet of foil down, top it with parchment paper, and place a portion of potatoes, a portion of herb-rubbed lamb, and a few cubes of cheese in the center.

  6. 6

    Fold the parchment paper tightly over the lamb to create a sealed pouch, then wrap the foil around it securely to ensure no steam escapes.

  7. 7

    Place the four pouches on a baking tray and roast for 3 to 3.5 hours until the meat is fork-tender and falling off the bone.

  8. 8

    Carefully open the pouches (watch for hot steam) and serve immediately with the accumulated juices poured over the meat.

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