How to make kleftiko – recipe | Felicity Cloake's Masterclass

Our resident perfectionist gives the classic Greek lamb bake a onceover

This Greek classic is said to be named after the klephts – sheep rustlers who slow-cooked their ill-gotten gains in underground pits to avoid detection, or perhaps to avoid having to share the delicious results. As a law-abiding citizen, I prefer to use an oven, but I have to concede that those naughty bandits knew a thing or two about flavour.

Prep 20 min
Marinate 8 hr+
Cook 4½ hr
Rest 30 min+
Serves 6