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Troodos (Cyprus)
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Main course
Meat
Food Flavour DNA
Nutritional Values
900kcal
60gProtein
20gCarbs
70gFat
3gFibre
400 gServing
* Per serving · 400 g. May vary.
Kleftiko
How to order / say it
Say it
Κλέφτικο — [kleft-EE-koh]
Order
I'd like to have Kleftiko.
Locally
Θα ήθελα να έχω Κλέφτικο.
Say locally
A traditional slow-roasted lamb, marinated and cooked in sealed ovens.
Why try it?
Kleftiko is deeply rooted in Cypriot history and is an iconic representation of Troodos's resourcefulness and passion for lamb dishes. Its unique cooking method makes it a must-try.
How it tastes
The lamb is succulent and falls off the bone, with an aromatic blend of herbs permeating each bite. The slow cooking process ensures concentrated flavors and a tender texture.
Origin & History — first documented: 1850
Kleftiko traces back to the 19th century in Troodos, where village people cooked it underground to retain moisture and flavor. It became renowned for its exquisite taste and is still celebrated in local feasts.
Recipe
Ingredients
- 🥩 1 kg lamb shoulder
- 🍋 50 ml lemon juice
- 🌿 15 g oregano
- 🧄 4 cloves garlic
- 🥕 500 g potatoes
- 🧂 10 g salt
- 🧂 5 g pepper
Method
- 1 Marinate the lamb overnight.
- 2 Preheat oven to 160°C.
- 3 Cook lamb in a sealed pot for 3-4 hours.
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