Kleftico (Lamb or Beef)

May 09, 2023May 9, 20230 12
Traditional Greek Kleftico Recipe
in Main

Prep

10 min

Cook

180 min

Ready In

190 min

Level

Very easy

Rating

1 Star2 Stars3 Stars4 Stars5 Stars
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Ingredients

1 1/2 kg lamb , in chunks
3 bay leaves
oregano
little olive oil
salt and pepper ( freshly ground pepper is nicer )
approx 2 glasses water

Nutrision Information

Servings Per Recipe
6
Calories
393
Sugar
0g
Fat
26g
Kleftico is a traditional Greek dish that's popular worldwide. It originated in the mountains of Greece, where it was a favorite of bandits, or “kleftes,” who would often cook it in underground ovens to avoid detection. The dish is made with lamb or beef, seasoned with oregano and bay leaves, and baked to perfection. It's a hearty and wholesome dish that's perfect for any occasion, from a family dinner to a weekend brunch with friends. Kleftico can be served over a bed of rice, with a side of mixed vegetables, or any other accompaniment you prefer.

Instructions

1.Preheat the oven to 200 C (180 C fan)/ Gas 6.
2.Cut lamb or beef into chunks and place in a large baking dish. Add bay leaves, oregano and season with salt and pepper. Drizzle a little bit of olive oil on top.
3.Pour 2 glasses of water over the meat and cover the baking dish with foil. Bake for 3 hours or till the meat is tender.
4.Serve and enjoy!

PROS

Kleftico is super easy to make, with just a few ingredients you get a delicious and healthy dish.
It’s a dish that’s bursting with flavor, due to the slow cooking process that infuses the meat with the herbs and spices.
Also, it’s perfect for meal-prepping as it’s good for up to 4 days in the fridge.

CONS

Since the meat is baked at a low temperature for several hours, Kleftico takes some time to prepare.
It’s important to remember to check the cooking progress every hour to ensure that there is enough water in the dish to prevent the meat from drying out.

HEALTH & BENEFITS

Kleftico has various health benefits. Lamb is a good source of high-quality protein, which can help build and maintain muscle mass. Also, it contains several vitamins and minerals, including vitamin B12, zinc, and selenium, which can help reduce inflammation and support a healthy immune system. Additionally, the herbs and spices used in Kleftico, such as oregano, bay leaves, and pepper, contain antioxidants that can help reduce the risk of chronic diseases.

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