INGREDIENTS:
- 5 pounds semi-boneless leg of lamb
- 1 garlic bulb, halved
- 3 medium shallots, quartered
- 5 sprigs fresh rosemary
- 5 sprigs fresh mint
- Salt and pepper
INSTRUCTIONS:
- PREPARE THE LAMB: Take the leg of lamb out of the refrigerator at least 1 hour before it goes into the oven so it has time to come to room temperature. Adjust an oven rack to the middle-lower position. Preheat the oven to 300 ° F. Season the lamb with salt and pepper.
- ROAST THE LAMB: Place the lamb, garlic bulb, shallots, rosemary, and mint in a Dutch oven or other deep baking tray, and cover. Roast in the oven until the lamb reaches the desired temperature. Use a meat thermometer to confirm the meat’s internal temperature:
- 135 ° F for medium-rare, approximately 2 to 2 ½ hours
- 140 ° F for medium, approximately 2 ½ to 3 hours.
- REST AND CRISP: Remove from the oven and let the lamb rest for 30 minutes. Move the oven rack up so the pot fits in the top half of the oven. Increase the oven temperature to 500 ° F. Remove the lid and place the pot in the oven. Cook until the fat begins to crisp up, 5 to 10 minutes. Flip the lamb and repeat on the other side, 5 to 10 minutes longer. Let rest for another 10 minutes before carving.
Here are a few variations of the recipe for roasted leg of lamb:
- Herb-Crusted Lamb: Instead of just seasoning the lamb with salt and pepper, create a flavorful herb crust. Mix together chopped fresh herbs like rosemary, thyme, and parsley with minced garlic and olive oil. Rub this herb mixture all over the lamb before roasting. The herb crust will add extra flavor and a beautiful aromatic touch to the dish.
- Citrus-Marinated Lamb: Add a refreshing twist by marinating the lamb in a citrusy marinade before roasting. Combine fresh lemon or orange juice, minced garlic, olive oil, and a bit of honey for sweetness. Marinate the lamb in this mixture for a few hours or overnight in the refrigerator. The citrus flavors will infuse the meat, creating a bright and tangy taste.
- Mediterranean Lamb: Give the dish a Mediterranean flair by adding Mediterranean spices and ingredients. In addition to the garlic and rosemary, include other Mediterranean herbs like oregano and thyme. You can also add sliced Kalamata olives, chopped sun-dried tomatoes, and crumbled feta cheese to the roasting pan for a burst of Mediterranean flavors.
- Spicy Harissa Lamb: For those who enjoy a little heat, try a spicy harissa marinade. Combine harissa paste with minced garlic, cumin, coriander, and a touch of paprika. Rub this flavorful mixture all over the lamb and let it marinate for a few hours. Roast the lamb as usual, and the harissa will add a delicious spicy kick to each bite.
- Asian-Inspired Lamb: Give the dish an Asian twist by marinating the lamb in an Asian-inspired sauce. Create a marinade with soy sauce, ginger, garlic, and a bit of sesame oil. You can also add a splash of rice vinegar and honey for a sweet and tangy element. Marinate the lamb in this sauce and roast it to perfection.
