Roast Lamb is a classic and elegant dish perfect for special occasions, family dinners, or holiday gatherings. This recipe creates a tender, flavorful roast with a crispy crust and juicy interior, infused with garlic, rosemary, and olive oil. Whether served with roasted vegetables, potatoes, or a side of mint sauce, this lamb is sure to impress!
Ingredients:
- 4-5 lb leg of lamb (bone-in or boneless)
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tablespoons fresh rosemary, chopped (or 1 tablespoon dried rosemary)
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves (or 1 teaspoon dried thyme)
- 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1 lemon, juiced
- 1/2 cup red wine (optional)
- 1/2 cup lamb or beef broth
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Prepare the lamb: Pat the lamb dry with paper towels. If the leg of lamb has a thick layer of fat, trim off some excess, leaving a thin layer to enhance the flavor.
- Make the garlic-herb rub: In a small bowl, mix the minced garlic, rosemary, thyme, olive oil, salt, pepper, and lemon juice to create a paste.
- Season the lamb: Rub the garlic-herb mixture all over the leg of lamb, making sure to cover all sides. If your lamb is bone-in, you can also make small slits in the meat and stuff the paste into the cuts for extra flavor.
- Roast the lamb: Place the lamb on a roasting rack set in a large roasting pan. Roast in the preheated oven for about 1 1/2 to 2 hours for medium-rare, or until the internal temperature reaches 130°F (54°C). For medium, cook to 140°F (60°C); for well-done, cook to 150°F (65°C).
- Add wine and broth: Halfway through the roasting process, pour the red wine and broth into the roasting pan to keep the lamb moist and create a flavorful pan sauce. Baste the lamb occasionally with the pan juices.
- Rest the lamb: Once the lamb has reached your desired level of doneness, remove it from the oven and cover it loosely with aluminum foil. Let the roast rest for 15-20 minutes to allow the juices to redistribute.
- Serve: Slice the roast lamb and serve with the pan juices, roasted vegetables, or mint sauce.
This Roast Lamb recipe is tender, juicy, and full of aromatic garlic and herb flavors, making it a centerpiece for any special meal. Enjoy it with your favorite sides for a memorable dining experience!
