"Arni Tis Tihis" - Lamb Surprise
A hearty lamb dish featuring tender meat, layered with cheeses and vegetables, wrapped in foil for baking. Perfect for family dinners and special gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cube the leg of lamb into 4 to 5-inch pieces.
- Place one cube of meat on a large square of heavy-duty aluminum foil.
- Add a 1-inch cube of feta cheese, a small carrot, a small onion, a piece of celery, and half of a medium potato, which has been pared, cut in half, and rubbed with butter.
- Add a squeeze of lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
- Fold the foil and refold tightly to seal.
- Bake for 2 hours in a 350°F (175°C) oven.
- Serve each foil package intact on a dinner plate, allowing guests to open their own.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider marinating the lamb overnight in olive oil, garlic, and herbs before cubing it. You can substitute the kefalotiri cheese with a similar hard cheese like Pecorino or Parmesan if unavailable. If you want a little heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes. Additionally, feel free to use seasonal vegetables like zucchini or bell peppers for added variety.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the lamb foil packets directly on the plates for a fun presentation. Pair them with a fresh salad, like an Antipasto Salad Tray, or a side of roasted potatoes for a hearty meal. A glass of red wine complements the dish beautifully. For a complete Mediterranean experience, consider serving with crusty bread to soak up the delicious juices.
Storage & Reheating
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the foil packets in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes, or until heated through. Alternatively, you can microwave the contents for a quick meal, but this may affect the texture of the vegetables.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of "Arni Tis Tihis" - Lamb Surprise contains roughly 28 calories, with 1g protein, 2g carbohydrates, and 2g fat. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 510mg per serving (22% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use other meats instead of lamb?
Yes, you can substitute the leg of lamb with chicken thighs or beef. Adjust the cooking time accordingly, as chicken will require less time, around 1 hour, while beef may need a bit more depending on the cut.
What if I don't have heavy-duty aluminum foil?
If you don't have heavy-duty aluminum foil, you can use regular foil, but be sure to double-layer it to prevent tearing. Alternatively, you can use oven-safe parchment paper, though it may not seal as tightly as foil.
Can I make this dish in advance?
Yes, you can prep the foil packets a day in advance and store them in the refrigerator. Just make sure to keep the lamb and vegetables chilled until you're ready to bake them. This makes for an easy and convenient meal when time is short.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).