Arni Kleftiko Rebel Lamb Recipe

Discover the legendary Arni Kleftiko, a dish steeped in Greek history! 'Kleftiko' means 'stolen' in Greek, reflecting the clever way Greek rebels slow-cooked lamb in clay pots buried underground during the Ottoman occupation, avoiding detection by concealing the delicious aroma. This recipe recreates that magical slow-braising process, resulting in incredibly tender, flavorful lamb. Whether you use a traditional clay pot or parchment paper, the result is a romantic, unforgettable meal perfect for sharing with loved ones. Pair with a robust red wine for a truly authentic experience.

Prep Time 30 mins
Cook Time 195 mins
Calories 461.4 kcal
Protein 14g
Rating 4.1 (8 Reviews)
Arni Kleftiko Rebel Lamb

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Recipe Author

Chef Forktionary, author of this recipe

Passionate home cook & Forktionary contributor.

Ingredients for Arni Kleftiko Rebel Lamb

  • Leg Of Lamb
  • 2 large onions, diced
  • Tomatoes
  • Garlic Cloves
  • Fresh Oregano
  • Fresh Spearmint
  • 2 lbs potatoes, peeled and quartered (optional, for serving)
  • Kefalotiri
  • Carrot
  • 1 cup dry red wine
  • Extra Virgin Olive Oil
  • Salt & Freshly Ground Black Pepper

How to Make Arni Kleftiko Rebel Lamb

  1. Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C).
  2. If using a clay pot, thoroughly grease it with olive oil.
  3. In a large bowl, combine the lamb shoulder, diced onion, minced garlic, oregano, rosemary, salt, pepper, lemon juice, and red wine.
  4. Mix well to ensure the lamb is thoroughly coated.
  5. If using a clay pot, transfer the lamb mixture to the prepared pot. Cover tightly with a lid.
  6. If using parchment paper, place the lamb mixture in the center of a large sheet of parchment paper. Bring the edges up and tightly twist to create a sealed parcel. Wrap a second layer of parchment for added security.
  7. Place the pot (or parchment parcel) in a roasting pan.
  8. Add enough water to the roasting pan to reach about 1 inch up the sides of the pot or parchment parcel. This helps to create moisture during the cooking process.
  9. Cook for approximately 195 minutes, or until the lamb is extremely tender and easily shreds with a fork. Check and add more water if needed during cooking.
  10. Once cooked, carefully remove the pot from the oven (or carefully unwrap the parchment parcel). Let the lamb rest for 10-15 minutes before serving.
  11. Shred the lamb with two forks, and serve with potatoes, rice, or your favorite sides. Enjoy!

Chef's Tip for Extra Flavor

Elevate your dish with simple flavor boosters! A final flourish of freshly chopped herbs can add incredible brightness, while a squeeze of lemon or lime juice right before serving can awaken all the flavors. Don't underestimate a sprinkle of quality finishing salt or a drizzle of good olive oil to make your creation shine.

Nutrition Information (Approximate per serving)

Sodium

1 g

Sugar

26g

Fat

13g

Carbs

19g