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Cypriot Cuisine Main Dishes

Kıbrıs Usulü Kleftiko – Cypriot Slow-Roasted Lamb Recipe

Lamb rubbed with garlic and olive oil, sealed in a pot with bay leaf and rosemary, slow-roasted for 2.5 to 3 hours until it falls off the bone.

Prep 20 minCook 3 hTotal 3 h 20 minServings 4Difficulty Medium

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Last editorial review: 16.08.2026
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Step by step

Preparation steps

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Cut and score the lamb

Cut the lamb into large pieces or leave whole and score deeply all over.

Rub with oil and garlic

Rub thoroughly with olive oil, crushed garlic, salt and black pepper.

Chop the vegetables

Quarter the potatoes, roughly chop the onions and tomatoes.

Arrange in the pan

Place the meat and vegetables in a roasting pan or clay pot, tuck in the bay leaves and rosemary sprigs.

Chef's tip: It cooks better if you seal the dish airtight with baking paper and aluminium foil.

Slow-roast, then brown

Cover the dish and roast slowly in an oven preheated to 160–170 °C for about 2.5 to 3 hours. Uncover for the final 20 minutes to brown the meat.

Time's up! Enjoy your meal.

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Last check: 16.08.2026

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