Lamb has been an integral part of the Greek diet since Ancient times. You cannot think of Greek cuisine and not recall a lamb-based dish. Along with goat and pork, lamb is one of the most popular meats in Greece.Lamb is at its peak during spring and summer, so this is the ideal time to add it to your menus.
In Ancient Greece, lamb was considered a religious symbol. Lamb was sacrificed to the Gods of Olympus. The sacrifice of lamb also served other significant religious purposes: it was an offering of thanksgiving, and used to seek a favour or insight into the future. In Greek mythology, the gods took delight in this sacrifice.
In many parts of Greece, an Easter or Christmas table wouldn't be complete without a traditional Easter lamb magiritsa soup, slow baked lamb dish or a lamb souvlaki.
The best lamb I ever had was in Anogia, Crete. Here, lamb is slowed cooked for hours outside in open barbecue ovens. The streets in Anogia have a permanent aroma of lamb in the air to welcome you.
This is the recipe for lamb that I will be making this Christmas.