Lamb “Kleftiko” in Crispy Filo Pastry

Let the Filo Pastry for Pies defrost according to the package instructions.

Preheat the oven to 200°C with the fan on. Put the olive oil, garlic and thyme in a blender and blend well. Marinate the lamb with the mixture and then preheat a large frying pan over high heat. Sear the lamb in doses until it gets a nice roasted colour.

At the same time, in an oven tray or Pyrex dish, add the carrots, onion, Florina red peppers, potatoes and olives and let them marinate in some olive oil, salt and pepper.

Place the seared lamb on top of the vegetables and roast in the oven for approximately 2 hours.

Remove the dish from the oven, lower the heat to 180°C and let it cool down slightly.

On a clean surface, lay out two filo pastry sheets on top of each other so as to form a cross shape and lightly butter the sheets. Continue by laying out another 3 sheets (also buttered) and in the end use a spoon to place the meat and vegetables between the filo pastry sheets. Sprinkle with the smoked cheese and place a piece of feta cheese on top of the ingredients. Lastly, fold over the filo pastry sheets crosswise and butter. Repeat the process another 2 times.

Carefully transfer the parcels to one or two oven trays and roast for 40-45 minutes or until the filo pastry becomes golden brown. Remove from the oven and serve immediately.