When I was first married, I met a man that became a wonderful friend. His name is Spiro Fokas and he owned The Olde Towne Restaurant on King Street. He and his wife, Irene, were just exceptional people and unbelievable cooks. When Spiro and his brother-in-law Steve were there, you could really not find a better meal in Charleston. Here is a recipe for lamb that he served at Easter and it is a knock-out, if you like lamb and even if you don’t. Now I am giving this recipe with a full, bone-in leg because that is how I do mine but a semi-boneless leg will work.
Spiro’s Greek Style Leg of Lamb
1 – 4-6# bone-in leg of lamb
1 cup olive oil + 3 tblspns
½ cup oregano
1/3 cup basil
1/3 cup rosemary
1/3 cup garlic salt
2 tblspns of kosher salt and 2 of black pepper
8-10 whole cloves of garlic
2 lemons
Lamb Prep
with a good, sharp knife puncture the leg in 8 to 10 places, spacing the holes randomly * into each cut, press 1 whole garlic clove * next mix the cup of olive oil and the next 6 ingredients in a bowl until there is almost a paste * place the leg into a large bag ( a turkey roasting bag or a 2.5 gallon zip lock will work) and pour the spice mixture over the lamb and rub it to cover completely * close the bag, place in a pan and refrigerate for at least overnight but 2 days is better *
Cooking
Pre-heat oven to 350 degrees * remove the leg from the bag and place into a large roasting pan * add 1 cup of water * lay a piece of foil over the lamb – not tightly fitted * reduce the heat to 300 degrees and into the oven for 1 hour * uncover and baste with pan juices and cook for an additional 1 hour * remove and place on stove for 15 minutes, covered * reduce oven temp to 200 degrees * place lamb on cutting board and with an electric knife slice into somewhat thick pieces (1/4”) and place back down into the pan liquid * squeeze the juice of 2 fresh lemons over the lamb * cover and place back into a warm oven until ready to serve * serve with some great Greek potatoes and a Greek salad and you have a real winner – Thanks Spiro and Irene!!!!
