Lamb Kleftiko with Roasted Tomatoes and Potatoes
Method
For the marinade
- 1Using a mortar and pestle, crush the garlic cloves with the salt flakes until a smooth paste forms.
- 2Add the lemon juice, ground cinnamon, dried oregano and fresh oregano. Season with cracked pepper and grind again until fragrant and finely crushed.
- 3Stir through the olive oil to create a rich, herb-flecked marinade.
- 4Place the lamb leg into a large roasting tin and pour the marinade over, rubbing it thoroughly into the meat.
- 5Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or preferably overnight for deeper flavour.
- 6Remove from the fridge and allow the lamb to come to room temperature before cooking.
To cook
- 1Preheat the oven to 160°C fan-forced (180°C conventional).
- 2Lay two long sheets of baking paper in a cross shape — one widthways, one lengthways — inside a large roasting tin.
- 3Add the halved potatoes, garlic bulb halves, red onion wedges and cherry tomatoes.
- 4Season with dried oregano, salt flakes and cracked pepper. Drizzle with olive oil and pour in ¼ cup of water.
- 5To roast the lamb. Place the marinated lamb on top of the vegetables. Fold the baking paper over the lamb, then cover tightly with foil to completely enclose.
- 6Roast for 3 hours, until the meat is tender and yielding. Increase the oven to 200°C fan-forced (220°C conventional).
- 7Remove the foil and return to the oven for a further 20 minutes, or until the lamb is golden and crisp on the outside.
To serve
- 1Slice the lamb and serve with the roasted potatoes, garlic and tomatoes, spooning over the fragrant pan juices. Add a generous bowl of garlicky tzatziki on the side and crispy bread.
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Ingredients
Lemon Oregano Marinade
3 garlic cloves
1 tsp salt flakes
¼ cup lemon juice
1 tsp ground cinnamon
1 tsp dried Greek oregano
¼ bunch fresh oregano, leaves picked and chopped
Freshly cracked black pepper
¼ cup olive oil
Lamb & Vegetables
2.2 kg leg of lamb, bone-in
1 red onion, cut into thin wedges
300 g cherry tomatoes
800 g chat potatoes, halved
2 garlic bulbs, halved horizontally
1 tsp dried Greek oregano
Salt flakes and cracked black pepper, to season
1 tbsp olive oil
¼ cup water
To Serve
Roast Garlic and Fennel Tzatziki (see platform for Helena and Vikki's wonderful recipe)
Warm sourdough or pita bread (optional)
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This recipe makes the perfect for Gyros the next day with sliced tomato, roast garlic and fennel tzatziki, onion and parsley.
Marinating overnight will enhance both flavour and tenderness. Always bring the lamb back to room temperature before roasting to ensure even cooking.














