Kleftiko
🥩Kleftiko Recipe from North Cyprus – Traditional Slow-Cooked Lamb
If you’re looking for the ultimate traditional Cypriot dish, Kleftiko (also known as Kup Kebab) is a must-try.
This slow-cooked lamb recipe from North Cyprus is rich in flavour, steeped in history, and still a favourite at family gatherings and local tavernas. With its tender meat that falls off the bone and potatoes infused with herbs, Kleftiko is one of the most authentic tastes of Cypriot cuisine.
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❓What is Kleftiko?
The word Kleftiko means “stolen” in Greek. The dish dates back to the time of the klephts (rebels and mountain fighters during Ottoman rule) who would steal a lamb or goat, season it with herbs, and cook it slowly in sealed clay ovens hidden in the ground. This method ensured the meat cooked to perfection while keeping the aroma concealed. Even today, some locals refer to it as ‘Hirsiz Kebabı’ (Kebab of Thieves),
Today, Kleftiko is one of the most beloved traditional dishes in North Cyprus, often prepared for Sunday family meals or festive celebrations.
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🥗Ingredients for North Cyprus Kleftiko
To make an authentic Kleftiko recipe from North Cyprus, you’ll need simple, fresh ingredients:
• 1 leg of lamb (about 2–2.5kg) or goat, bone-in
• 6–8 medium potatoes, peeled and cut into wedges
• 3–4 large onions, quartered
• 4–5 garlic cloves, sliced
• Juice of 2 lemons
• 3–4 tbsp olive oil
• 2 tsp dried oregano
• 2 tsp dried thyme
• 2 bay leaves
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• Optional: a splash of white wine
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👨🍳How to Make Traditional Kleftiko
🥩 Prepare the lamb
• Wash the lamb leg and pat dry.
• Make small incisions in the meat and insert garlic slices.
• Rub the lamb with olive oil, lemon juice, oregano, thyme, salt, and pepper.
🥔 Layer the vegetables
• In a large roasting dish or clay pot, place the potato wedges and onions.
• Season with salt, pepper, and a little olive oil.
• Place the lamb on top of the vegetables.
• Add bay leaves for extra flavour.
☕ Slow cooking the Cypriot way
• Cover the dish tightly with foil or a lid to trap the steam.
• (traditionally, the lamb was sealed in clay or paper).
• Cook in a low oven (150°C / 300°F) for 4–5 hours until the meat is tender and falls off the bone.
🍽️ Serve
• Remove from the oven and let the lamb rest for 10 minutes.
• Serve hot with potatoes, salad, and fresh bread.
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📝Tips for the Perfect Kleftiko
• Use local Cypriot lamb for the most authentic taste.
• Keep the oven temperature low and slow – this is key to tender meat.
• Clay ovens or sealed roasting bags give the best results.
• Pair with a glass of Cypriot red wine or fresh village salad.
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😋Why Kleftiko is Special in North Cyprus
In North Cyprus, Kleftiko is more than just food – it’s a tradition. Families gather to share this slow-cooked feast during weddings, christenings, and Sunday lunches. Many restaurants still cook Kleftiko in outdoor clay ovens called “fournos”, giving it a unique smoky aroma.
Eating Kleftiko connects you with Cypriot history, culture, and hospitality. It’s not just a dish, but a story passed down through generations.
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🌸Final Thoughts
If you want to experience true Cypriot cuisine, you can’t miss Kleftiko. This North Cyprus lamb recipe combines history, culture, and mouthwatering flavour in every bite. Whether cooked in a traditional clay oven or your home kitchen, the result is always the same: tender lamb, perfectly roasted potatoes, and a taste of Cyprus on your plate.
Why not try this recipe at home and bring the flavours of North Cyprus to your table?