Arni sto Fourno: Savor the Timeless Greek Roast Lamb Tradition

 Arni sto fourno literally means a lamb in the oven. This traditional Greek roast lamb recipe will become your favorite one. Eating roast lamb is a classic Greek Easter tradition. Greeks could be talking about it even one month before Holy Sunday! Visiting the Greek countryside during Easter is wonderful. People roast their lambs in their backyards and invite their family and friends. They drink red wine. They even dance! It is a tradition you need to experience! Although the majority of Greeks prefer to eat a spit-roasted lamb on Holy Sunday, I will share with you an Easter roast lamb recipe. This is less time-consuming to prepare. I prefer eating this roast leg of lamb recipe any day of the year and not on Easter! 

Arni sto fourno (the name of the Greek roast lamb) requires lamb leg, olive oil, garlic cloves, flour, lemon oregano, salt, and pepper. You can serve this with Greek lemon potatoes

This authentic Greek roast lamb recipe is for 4 persons.

Greek lemon potatoes (arni sto fourno)

Greek Roast Lamb Recipe – Instructions

  • 1 kg of meat (lamb leg)
  • 6-7 tablespoons of Greek olive oil
  • 3-4 garlic cloves
  • 2 tablespoons flour
  • 1 big lemon
  • Dried oregano
  • Salt
  • Pepper

Greek Roast Lamb Recipe – Instructions

  1. Start this Greek roast lamb recipe by putting the garlic cloves into a bowl. Pour salt and pepper on them. 
  2. Put the meat into a pan.
  3. Make small incisions every few inches in the skin and insert the garlic cloves.
  4. Juice the lemon.
  5. With a pastry brush, brush the lemon juice across the surface of the meat.
  6. Add salt, pepper, and oregano to the meat.
  7. Pour the oil and add some water.
  8. Sprinkle with a little flour.
  9. Place over medium heat to cook for 1 hour and 15 minutes.
  10. Taste to see if additional salt is needed.
  11. Add some hot water if it’s dried. Keep turning the meat until it is brown on both sides.
  12. Now, let’s see how we are going to prepare meat sauce. When the roast lamb leg is ready, remove it from the oven.
  13. After it is half cold cut it into thin slices and keep it warm.
  14. Pour a cup of hot water into the pan.
  15. Stir it well until all meat juices are dissolved.
  16. In a small saucepan put 2 tablespoons of oil to heat, add 1 to 2 tablespoons of flour and stir to saute.
  17. Use a strainer to add what is the pan into the saucepan and stir with a wooden spoon until the sauce is slightly thickened.
  18. Add salt and pepper.
  19. Serve in a sauceboat separately.
Arni sto Fourno transcends mere cuisine; it embodies the heart and soul of Greek tradition and the warmth of gatherings with loved ones. Whether you choose to savor it on Easter or any day of the year, this aromatic roast lamb dish connects you to the rich cultural tapestry of Greece.

Picture yourself amidst the serene beauty of the Greek countryside, the air filled with the irresistible aroma of lamb roasting to perfection, friends and family coming together in celebration. It's an experience that lingers in the memory, just like the flavors of this delectable dish.

So, venture into your kitchen and embark on this culinary journey. Let the succulent lamb, infused with garlic, lemon, and oregano, transport your taste buds to Greece. Create your own traditions, and share this unforgettable meal with those you hold dear.

Arni sto Fourno is not just a recipe; it's an invitation to experience the heartwarming traditions of Greece, one flavorful bite at a time. Savor it, celebrate it, and make it your own cherished tradition, year-round. Enjoy!