Cretan Lamb and Cheese Pie

A traditional Cretan pie with tender lamb and a mix of local cheeses, wrapped in a crispy homemade phyllo dough.

This hearty pie is a staple of Cretan cuisine, combining slow-cooked lamb with a rich blend of cheeses like mizithra, xynomizithra, anthotyro, and graviera. The homemade phyllo dough, leavened with yeast and flavored with raki and honey, creates a crispy crust that perfectly encases the savory filling.

Serve it as a main course for a festive meal, cut into generous slices. The pie is best enjoyed warm, straight from the oven, when the cheese is still melted and the crust is at its crispiest.

Ingredients

Servings 10

    For the filling

    For the dough

    Converted amounts are rounded.

    Method

    1. In a large pot over high heat, warm 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Add the lamb leg and sear for 3-4 minutes until browned on all sides.
    2. Pour in 1.5 liters of water, cover with the lid, and simmer over medium heat for 1.5 hours. Once cooked, remove the meat from the bone, shred it into small pieces, and set aside.
    3. Meanwhile, for the dough: In a bowl, whisk together the yogurt, 150 g water, raki, and honey until smooth. Add the dry yeast, hard flour, salt, pepper, and 2 tablespoons olive oil. Mix first with a spoon, then knead by hand until a soft dough forms.
    4. Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and let it rise until doubled in size, about 1 hour.
    5. In another bowl, combine the mizithra, xynomizithra, anthotyro, graviera, rosemary, lemon zest, salt, and pepper. Mix well and set aside.
    6. Divide the risen dough into two equal pieces. On a lightly floured surface, roll each piece into a 30 cm round sheet.
    7. Preheat the oven to 350°F (fan). Lightly grease a 28 cm round springform pan with 1 tablespoon olive oil.
    8. Lay one dough sheet into the pan, letting the edges overhang. Spread half the cheese mixture over the dough, then top with the shredded lamb. Cover with the remaining cheese mixture.
    9. Place the second dough sheet on top. Fold the overhanging edges of the bottom sheet over the top sheet, pinching them together to seal the pie (this forms the traditional 'kothro' rim).
    10. Drizzle the pie with 2 tablespoons olive oil. Score the top into 10 portions. Bake for 45-50 minutes, until golden and crisp. Remove from the oven and serve warm.

    💡 Tips

    • For a richer flavor, use a mix of lamb shoulder and leg.
    • If you can't find hard flour, use bread flour instead.
    • Let the pie rest for 10 minutes after baking for cleaner slices.

    Inspired by a recipe from Άκης Πετρετζίκης

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