Imagine the tantalizing aroma of a perfectly roasted leg of lamb wafting through your home, inviting family and friends to gather around the table. This classic dish, featuring succulent meat paired with vibrant, pan-roasted vegetables, is not just a meal; it’s an experience that transforms any occasion into a celebration. Whether you’re hosting a holiday feast or simply looking to impress your loved ones with a comforting dinner, our Roast Leg of Lamb recipe is your ticket to culinary success. With just a few simple ingredients and some expert tips, you’ll create a mouthwatering masterpiece that will have everyone asking for seconds!
Prep Time: 30 mins
Cook Time: 2 hrs
Total Time: 2 hrs 30 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 1 leg of lamb (5-6 lbs)
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons rosemary, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 4 carrots, chopped
- 2 potatoes, chopped
- 1 onion, quartered
- Olive oil
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This temperature will allow the leg of lamb to roast evenly and develop a beautiful crust.
- Prepare the leg of lamb by trimming any excess fat, if necessary. Pat the meat dry with paper towels to ensure a good sear.
- In a small bowl, combine the minced garlic, chopped rosemary, salt, and pepper. Mix well to create a paste.
- Rub the garlic and rosemary mixture all over the leg of lamb, ensuring it is evenly coated. Allow the lamb to sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes to absorb the flavors.
- While the lamb is marinating, prepare the vegetables. Chop the carrots and potatoes into bite-sized pieces and quarter the onion.
- In a large roasting pan, add the chopped carrots, potatoes, and quartered onion. Drizzle with olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Toss the vegetables to ensure they are evenly coated with oil and seasoning.
- After the lamb has marinated, place it on top of the vegetables in the roasting pan. This will allow the juices from the lamb to flavor the vegetables as they cook.
- Roast the leg of lamb in the preheated oven for approximately 2 hours, or until the internal temperature reaches 135°F (57°C) for medium-rare, or 145°F (63°C) for medium. Use a meat thermometer to check the temperature accurately.
- During the roasting process, baste the lamb and vegetables with the pan juices every 30 minutes to keep them moist and flavorful.
- Once the lamb is done roasting, remove it from the oven and let it rest for 15-20 minutes before carving. This resting period allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, ensuring it remains juicy.
- While the lamb is resting, you can increase the oven temperature to 425°F (220°C) and roast the vegetables for an additional 10-15 minutes for extra caramelization, if desired.
- After resting, carve the leg of lamb into slices and serve alongside the pan-roasted vegetables. Enjoy your delicious roast leg of lamb with a side of your favorite sauce or gravy!
Tips
- Choose the Right Cut: Opt for a leg of lamb that is well-marbled for the best flavor and tenderness. A 5-6 lb leg is perfect for serving 6 people.
- Marinate for Maximum Flavor: Allow the lamb to marinate at room temperature for about 30 minutes after applying the garlic and rosemary paste. This helps the flavors penetrate the meat.
- Basting is Key: Don’t forget to baste the lamb and vegetables with the pan juices every 30 minutes. This keeps everything moist and enhances the overall flavor.
- Use a Meat Thermometer: To achieve the perfect doneness, invest in a meat thermometer. Aim for 135°F (57°C) for medium-rare and 145°F (63°C) for medium.
- Resting Period: Let the lamb rest for 15-20 minutes before carving. This step is crucial for juicy slices, as it allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat.
- Caramelize the Veggies: For extra flavor, increase the oven temperature to 425°F (220°C) during the final roasting of the vegetables. This will give them a delicious caramelized finish.
- Serve with Sauce: Pair your roast with a flavorful sauce or gravy to elevate the dish even further. A mint sauce or red wine reduction works beautifully!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 450kcal
Carbohydrates: 15g
Protein: 45g
Fat: 28g
Saturated Fat: 12g
Cholesterol: 140mg
