Lamb in Greek cuisine & around the world

"What do you mean he don't eat no meat!? Oh…That's ok, that's ok… I make lamb!"

- Theia Voulla "My Big Fat Greek Wedding

If you're a vegan or vegetarian attending a Greek gathering, whether it's an Easter feast, a wedding, or a baptism, don't be surprised if turning your nose up at lamb turns some heads! But what is it with Greeks and lamb?  

Well, lamb has been a prominent part of Greek culture and cuisine for centuries, dating back to ancient times. In ancient Greece, lambs were not only a source of food but also held religious significance, becoming central to celebrations and rituals. In Greek culture, besides biblical connotations,  lambs are linked to fertility, prosperity, and the renewal of life.

When is Lamb served in Greece?

Greek Easter: Lamb represents Jesus Christ, who is referred to as the "Lamb of God" in Christian theology, symbolizing his sacrifice for humanity's sins. Lamb on Greek Easter also symbolizes the resurrection of Christ and it is tradition to roast a whole lamb with families and communities gathering for a joyful feast. It's safe to say that most Greeks, if not all, cannot wait for the Easter Fasting (Nisteia) to finish just to dive into a satisfying meal with Greek lamb.

Weddings: In Greek weddings, lamb symbolizes prosperity, abundance, and unity. Traditionally, serving lamb at a wedding feast represents the generosity and warmth of the hosts, reflecting a wish for the newlyweds to have a prosperous and harmonious life together.

Baptism: In Greek baptisms, lamb symbolizes purity, innocence, and spiritual renewal. Just as lambs are seen as gentle and pure, they represent the innocence of the child being baptized. Serving lamb at baptismal feasts is a way to celebrate the child's new spiritual life and to share in the joy of this important religious milestone with family and community.

Popular Greek lamb dishes

The Greeks have a rich tradition of preparing lamb in various delicious ways, each reflecting the country's regional diversity and cultural heritage:

Gyro - One of the most famous Greek street foods, lamb is marinated with herbs and spices, then slow-cooked on a vertical rotisserie. Slices of tender, juicy lamb are served in a pita with tzatziki, tomatoes, onions, and fries for a flavorful wrap.

Kleftiko - This dish has its origins with Greek bandits, or "klephthes," who would cook lamb in underground ovens to avoid detection. Today, lamb kleftiko is slow-cooked in parchment or foil with garlic, lemon, and herbs until it's fall-off-the-bone tender, absorbing all the rich flavors. In traditional tavernas in Greece and Cyprus it is cooked in special stone or clay wood or coal burning ovens.

Lamb Stews - Greek lamb stews combine lamb with seasonal vegetables such as artichokes, greens, or potatoes in a lemony, egg-based sauce. These stews are hearty, warming, and packed with flavor, often served during colder months or festive family meals.

Whole Lamb on the Spit - This is a showstopper, especially during Greek Easter. A whole lamb is marinated and slow-roasted on a spit over an open flame, turning for hours until the skin is crispy and the meat succulent. This communal preparation brings families together for a grand feast.

Lamb Souvlaki - Skewered pieces of lamb, marinated with olive oil, lemon, garlic, and oregano, then grilled over an open flame. Lamb souvlaki is often served with pita, tzatziki, and grilled vegetables, making it a simple yet flavorful meal.

Each of these preparations showcases lamb's versatility in Greek cuisine, from quick street food to slow-cooked feasts, all deeply connected to tradition and celebration. It is without doubt, one of the most loved kinds of meat in Greece since ancient times.

"Greek from Greece" Pulled leg of Lamb - more than a gyro

At Greek From Greece, our lamb gyro is crafted with quality and authenticity in mind. We use slow-cooked pulled leg of lamb, marinated and expertly prepared by our Greek chef, offering a step up from the typical minced lamb seen in many NYC street food outlets. Our lamb gyro is marinated with rich flavors, then slow-cooked to perfection, creating a tender, satisfying dish that redefines what a gyro can be. It's more than just a meal; it's a true taste of Greece. Add lamb to your Mediterranean Bowl or Wrap or enjoy it in a Greek gyro combo or in a pita.

Lamb in USA

In the U.S., lamb is most commonly enjoyed on special occasions like Easter, Passover, and sometimes Christmas. Introduced by European settlers in the 17th century, lamb became popular in the West with the rise of sheep farming in the 19th century. Later, Mediterranean and Middle Eastern immigrants helped expand its popularity in American cuisine. Today, favorite dishes include roasted leg of lamb, grilled lamb chops, braised lamb shanks, and Mediterranean-inspired dishes like gyros and kebabs. Though less common than other meats, lamb is prized for its rich flavor, tenderness and special role in holiday meals.

Lamb in other cultures

Lamb holds significance in many cultures around the world, often linked to important religious celebrations and rituals.

Lamb is prized across the Balkans. Sheep are particularly well-suited to the Balkan climate leading to lamb, mutton and sheep's milk playing a prominent role in local cuisines. Much like in Greece lamb is often associated with major celebrations and religious holidays.

You will find  a variety of preparation methods and recipes, from oven-naked lamb, whole lamb on the spit and leg of lamb either smoked or freshly roasted. In Serbia they even enjoy it in a hearty lamb soup and in Montenegro you wouldn't want to miss a chance to sample their finger-licking lamb in milk! In Bulgarian cuisine, lamb also holds a special place, particularly during religious festivals like Easter and St. George's Day. For these occasions, families traditionally prepare whole roasted lamb, seasoned with herbs like mint, thyme, and oregano. In Albania baked lamb with rice (Tavë kosi) served with yogurt is a must-try! In Turkish cuisine too, thanks to the long tradition of Ottoman herders, lamb is essential, cherished for its tenderness and rich flavor. It features in iconic dishes like kebabs, köfte (spiced meatballs-Κεφτέδες); çoban kavurma (lamb stew), often seasoned with cumin, thyme, and rosemary; and more.

The Mediterranean folks love lamb meat. In French cuisine lamb is a classic dish for springtime and Easter, with recipes like Gigot d'Agneau (roast leg of lamb) being a hallmark of refined, celebratory meals. Italian cuisine also features Lamb as a traditional Easter dish, symbolizing renewal and new life. Dishes like Agnello al Forno (oven-baked lamb) are often enjoyed at family gatherings.

British and Irish traditions also favor lamb delicacies. Lamb is often featured in Easter celebrations, symbolizing renewal and resurrection. Dishes like roast lamb with mint sauce are staples in Sunday roasts and holiday feasts.

In Middle Eastern and North African cultures lamb is a central dish, especially during the Islamic festival of sacrifice (Eid al-Adha). It commemorates the willingness of Ibrahim to sacrifice his son in obedience to God, with lamb symbolizing faith and devotion. 

In parts of Asia and especially in Indian cuisine lamb is a key protein in many regions, especially in Mughlai and Kashmiri cuisine. Dishes like Rogan Josh or Biryani are popular for special occasions like weddings or festivals.

Have you tried some of these international lamb-dishes? Which one is your favourite?

In all these cultures, lamb plays a symbolic role, often representing sacrifice, renewal, or abundance, and is a central part of festive and communal meals. It's well known on almost every side of the world and in most cuisines it's an essential. This is in part thanks to its flavor and texture as lamb meat is is tender, flavorful and satisfying, but also highly nutritious. 

Lamb Nutrition

Lamb is a nutrient-dense meat packed with essential vitamins and minerals:

High-quality protein: Lamb is an excellent source of protein, necessary for muscle repair, immune function, and overall body maintenance.

Iron: Lamb is rich in heme iron, which is more easily absorbed by the body than plant-based iron, supporting red blood cell production and preventing anemia.

B vitamins: It provides B12, crucial for brain function and energy metabolism, as well as B6 and niacin, supporting nervous system health.

Zinc: Lamb is high in zinc, important for immune health, wound healing, and DNA synthesis.

Healthy fats: Lamb contains conjugated linoleic acid (CLA), a type of fat that may have heart-protective and anti-inflammatory effects.

While lamb is nutrient-rich, it should be enjoyed in moderation due to its saturated fat content. Opting for lean cuts and slow-cooking methods can help create a flavorful, balanced dish.

There you have it! Lamb meat is a delicacy in Mediterranean cuisine and around the  world. Prepared right and eaten in moderation it is a healthy option that should not be overlooked when striving for balanced nutrition.

Enjoy!