Kleftiko Authentic Cypriot Dish

An Authentic Cypriot Dish

Kleftiko authentic Cypriot dish, stands out for its unique cooking method and rich historical roots. This flavourful meal dates back to the Ottoman Empire. Cypriot rebels, called kleftes, would steal lambs and cook them in hidden underground ovens to avoid being caught.

The Star Ingredient: Lamb

Kleftiko authentic Cypriot dish centres around lamb, marinated in lemon juice, olive oil, and aromatic herbs like oregano and thyme. Cooks wrap the marinated lamb in parchment paper or aluminium foil and place it in a clay oven buried underground. They then cover the oven with soil to seal in the heat, allowing the lamb to cook slowly and absorb the rich flavours.

Slow Cooking for Perfect Tenderness

This slow cooking process transforms the lamb into an incredibly tender and juicy dish. The herbs and lemon infuse the meat with a refreshing, tangy taste that complements its natural richness. People serve kleftiko with roasted potatoes, fresh vegetables, and a glass of red wine, creating a hearty and satisfying meal.

A Modern-Day Favourite

Today, kleftiko remains a popular dish across Cyprus, featured in many local restaurants and tavernas. While some establishments use modern ovens for convenience, they still adhere to the traditional cooking method. This ensures the dish retains its authentic flavour and character.

A Unique Dining Experience

One of the most distinctive aspects of kleftiko is its presentation. Servers often bring the dish to the table still wrapped in parchment paper or foil. Diners then unwrap the package and reveal the succulent lamb inside. This interactive element adds a sense of surprise and excitement, making kleftiko a memorable meal to share with loved ones.

A Testament to Cypriot Ingenuity

Kleftiko highlights the creativity of the Cypriot people, who crafted a delicious and unique dish using simple ingredients and traditional methods. Today, both locals and visitors cherish kleftiko, making it an essential culinary experience for anyone visiting Cyprus.

How to Make Kleftiko

Ingredients:

2kg lamb shoulder, bone-in cut in large chunks
1 head of garlic, cloves separated and peeled
2-3 sprigs of fresh rosemary
2-3 sprigs of fresh thyme
1 lemon, juiced
1 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper

Instructions:

Preheat the oven to 160°C/320°F.
In a large baking dish, add the lamb shoulder, onions, garlic, rosemary, thyme, lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and black pepper. Mix well until the lamb is coated with the seasoning.
Take each of the pieces of lamb, seal it in a silver foil and place it in an oven pot.
Place it in the oven on high heat and cook for 3 hours or until the lamb is tender and falling off the bone.
After 3 hours lower the heat and cook for 3 more hours.
Remove from the oven and let it rest for 10-15 minutes before serving.
Serve with roasted potatoes, vegetables, or a fresh Greek salad.
Enjoy your delicious Keftiko!

Recommended Wine

When it comes to pairing wine with Kleftiko, a traditional Cypriot dish made with slow-cooked lamb and potatoes, you’ll want to choose a wine that can stand up to the bold flavours and rich texture of the dish. A full-bodied red wine, such as a Cabernet Sauvignon or a Syrah, would be a great choice. The tannins in these wines will help cut through the richness of the lamb and complement the earthy flavours of the potatoes and herbs. For this succulent dish, A Syrah wine is highly recommended.

Tips for Enjoying with Kleftiko:

Serve Maratheftiko or Yiannoudi slightly below room temperature (about 16-18°C) for the best taste experience.
For a chilled option, serve Xynisteri at 8-10°C for a refreshing complement.

Each of these wines brings out different aspects of kleftiko, so you can tailor your choice based on whether you want a rich, complementary red or a refreshing white. Enjoy!

Syrah

Cyprus is known for its exceptional wine, with Syrah being one of the most popular varietals. This full-bodied wine boasts rich flavours of blackberry, blackcurrant, and spicy pepper notes. The intense fruit flavours are balanced by a firm tannic structure, making it a perfect pairing for hearty meat dishes or richly spiced Mediterranean fare. The island’s warm climate and vineyard soils produce

some of the finest Syrah wines in the world, and Cyprus Syrah is a must-try for any wine enthusiast looking for something unique and delicious.

Maratheftiko (Red)

Characteristics: Maratheftiko is one of Cyprus’s prized indigenous red grape varieties. It’s typically bold, with rich flavors of dark berries, black cherry, and spices, often with herbal notes that match well with the flavors in kleftiko.

Why It Works: The wine’s robust body and

acidity cut through the lamb’s fat, while the earthy and spicy notes complement the aromatic herbs in kleftiko. It’s a classic pairing for lamb in Cyprus.

Recommended Producers: Look for labels like Vouni Panayia, Tsiakkas, and Kyperounda for well-crafted Maratheftiko wines.

Yiannoudi (Red)

Characteristics: Yiannoudi is another native Cypriot red grape that’s gaining recognition. It offers flavours of red berries, spices, and herbs, sometimes with a touch of pepper and moderate tannins.

Why It Works: Yiannoudi has a smoother, more medium-bodied profile compared to

Maratheftiko, making it a great choice if you want something balanced but still complementary to lamb.

Recommended Producers: Tsiakkas and Vassiliades offer great examples of this unique, food-friendly wine.

Xynisteri (White)

Characteristics: Xynisteri is a popular white wine grape in Cyprus, offering crisp acidity with flavours of green apple, citrus, and sometimes floral or mineral notes.

Why It Works: For a lighter pairing, Xynisteri’s acidity can balance the richness of kleftiko, especially if you’re serving it in warm weather