Greek Lamb Kleftiko

A classic Greek slow cooked lamb and potato dish marinated with herbs and spices.

Prep Time: 5 mins

Cook Time: 4 hours

Serves: 8 people

Ingredients

  • 1.3kg bone-in whole lamb leg joint
  • 1kg baby waxy potatoes, washed and halved or quartered
  • 1 red onion, peeled and sliced
  • 5 fresh bay leaves

  • For the marinade:

  • ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1 tablespoon roughly chopped fresh rosemary leaves
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 6 garlic cloves, peeled and finely chopped or crushed
  • Grated zest of 1 lemon, juice of 2 lemons
  • 2 tablespoons rapeseed or olive oil

Method

  1. In a small bowl, mix the marinade ingredients together.
  2. On a chopping board make several slashes all over the lamb with a sharp knife. Rub the paste all over the lamb, pushing deep into the holes. Transfer to a large food bag,  seal and marinate in the fridge for up to 2 hours, or overnight if time allows.
  3. Preheat the oven to 160°C, 140°C Fan, Gas Mark 3.
  4. Line a large roasting tin with foil then baking parchment. Scatter the potatoes over the roasting tin. Season the potatoes, add the sliced onion and the bay leaves.
  5. Position the joint on top of the potatoes. Wrap in the parchment and extra foil. Roast for 4 hours until tender.
  6. Remove the joint from the oven, increase the heat to 220°C, 200°C Fan, Gas Mark 7. Unwrap the foil and parchment, spoon any meat juices over the joint and continue to cook for a further 30 minutes.
  7. Remove the roasting tin from the oven, wrap in foil and leave to rest for 30 minutes.
  8. Slice the lamb and serve with a Greek salad and the remaining accompaniments.