Indulge in the rich, aromatic flavors of Greece with our Kleftiko Greek Lamb in Parchment recipe! This mouthwatering dish, featuring tender lamb shoulder slow-cooked to perfection, is not just a meal; it's a culinary journey that will transport your taste buds straight to the sun-kissed shores of the Mediterranean. Imagine succulent lamb infused with zesty lemon, fragrant garlic, and a medley of fresh herbs, all wrapped in a cozy parchment parcel. Perfect for impressing guests or treating yourself to a delightful dinner, this dish is as easy to prepare as it is delicious. Ready to unveil the secrets of this traditional Greek feast? Let’s dive into the recipe!
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 2 hrs
Total Time: 2 hrs 20 mins
Cuisine: Greek
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 2 lbs lamb shoulder, cut into chunks
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 lemons, juiced
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tsp dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 4 medium potatoes, quartered
- 1 onion, sliced
- Fresh herbs (rosemary, thyme) for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C). This low and slow cooking method will help tenderize the lamb and infuse it with flavor.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the minced garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Whisk the ingredients together until well blended.
- Add the lamb shoulder chunks to the marinade, ensuring each piece is thoroughly coated. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let it marinate in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour, or ideally overnight for maximum flavor.
- Prepare the vegetables: Peel and quarter the potatoes and slice the onion. Set them aside for later use.
- Once the lamb has marinated, take a large piece of parchment paper (about 18 inches long) and lay it flat on a baking sheet. This will be used to create a sealed packet for the kleftiko.
- Place half of the sliced onions in the center of the parchment paper, creating a bed for the lamb. Layer half of the quartered potatoes on top of the onions.
- Remove the lamb from the marinade, allowing any excess liquid to drip off, and place it on top of the potatoes and onions.
- Top the lamb with the remaining onions and potatoes. Pour any leftover marinade over the entire mixture to enhance the flavor.
- Fold the parchment paper over the lamb and vegetables, creating a sealed packet. Make sure to fold the edges tightly to prevent any steam from escaping during cooking.
- Place the baking sheet with the parchment packet in the preheated oven and bake for about 2 hours. This slow cooking will allow the lamb to become tender and juicy.
- After 2 hours, carefully remove the baking sheet from the oven. Let the packet rest for about 10 minutes before opening it. Be cautious of the steam that will escape when you open the packet.
- Once opened, transfer the lamb and vegetables to a serving platter. Garnish with fresh herbs such as rosemary and thyme for added flavor and presentation.
- Serve the Kleftiko hot, enjoying it with crusty bread or a side salad for a complete meal.
Tips
- Marinate for Maximum Flavor: For the best results, marinate the lamb overnight. This allows the flavors to deeply penetrate the meat, resulting in a more flavorful dish.
- Use Quality Ingredients: Choose a good quality lamb shoulder and fresh herbs. The better your ingredients, the more delicious your Kleftiko will be!
- Don’t Rush the Cooking: The key to tender lamb is low and slow cooking. Resist the urge to crank up the heat; let the oven do its magic over the full 2 hours.
- Seal the Parchment Well: Make sure to fold the parchment tightly to trap all the steam inside. This is what keeps the lamb juicy and flavorful.
- Experiment with Vegetables: While the recipe calls for potatoes and onions, feel free to add other root vegetables like carrots or parsnips for extra flavor and nutrition.
- Serve with Sides: Pair your Kleftiko with crusty bread or a refreshing Greek salad to complement the rich flavors of the lamb.
- Garnish for Presentation: Don’t forget to add fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme as a garnish before serving. It not only looks beautiful but enhances the aroma too!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 615kcal
Carbohydrates: 37g
Protein: 38g
Fat: 39g
Saturated Fat: 12g
Cholesterol: 110mg
