Prepare to embark on a culinary journey that will transport you straight to the rolling hills of the British countryside with this mouthwatering Roast Leg of Lamb recipe. Imagine a perfectly roasted, golden-brown leg of lamb, infused with aromatic garlic and rosemary, accompanied by the traditional mint sauce that has been delighting food lovers for generations. Whether you're hosting a Sunday family dinner or impressing guests with your cooking skills, this recipe promises to be a show-stopping centerpiece that will have everyone asking for seconds.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 1 hrs 30 mins
Total Time: 1 hrs 45 mins
Cuisine: British
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 1 leg of lamb (about 5 lbs)
- 4 cloves garlic, sliced
- 2 tablespoons rosemary, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup mint sauce
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This ensures that the lamb will roast evenly and develop a beautiful crust.
- Take the leg of lamb out of the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes while you prepare the other ingredients. This helps the meat cook more evenly.
- Using a sharp knife, make small incisions all over the surface of the leg of lamb. This will allow the flavors to penetrate the meat.
- Insert the sliced garlic cloves into the incisions you've made. This will infuse the lamb with a delicious garlic flavor as it roasts.
- In a small bowl, mix the chopped rosemary with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Rub this mixture all over the leg of lamb, ensuring it is well coated.
- Place the leg of lamb on a roasting rack in a roasting pan. This allows the heat to circulate around the meat, promoting even cooking.
- Roast the lamb in the preheated oven for approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes, or until a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the meat reads 135°F (57°C) for medium-rare, or longer if you prefer it more well done.
- While the lamb is roasting, prepare the mint sauce. In a small saucepan, combine the mint sauce with a little water to thin it out if desired. Heat gently over low heat until warmed through, stirring occasionally.
- Once the lamb is done roasting, remove it from the oven and tent it loosely with aluminum foil. Allow it to rest for about 15-20 minutes. This resting period allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, ensuring it remains juicy and tender.
- After resting, carve the leg of lamb into slices. Serve it on a platter alongside the warmed mint sauce for drizzling over the meat.
- Enjoy your roast leg of lamb with your favorite sides, such as roasted vegetables or mashed potatoes.
Tips
- Temperature is Key: Always let your lamb come to room temperature before roasting to ensure even cooking.
- Invest in a Meat Thermometer: This is crucial for achieving your desired level of doneness - 135°F for medium-rare, 145°F for medium.
- Don't Skip the Resting Period: Allowing the meat to rest after cooking is essential for keeping the lamb juicy and tender.
- Garlic and Rosemary Infusion: Make deep incisions in the lamb to allow the garlic and herbs to penetrate deeply into the meat.
- Quality Matters: Choose a high-quality leg of lamb from a trusted butcher for the best flavor and texture.
- Mint Sauce Tip: For an extra-fresh mint sauce, use freshly chopped mint leaves if possible.
- Pairing Suggestions: Serve with roasted seasonal vegetables or creamy mashed potatoes to complete the perfect British-style meal.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 610kcal
Carbohydrates: 9g
Protein: 50g
Fat: 38g
Saturated Fat: 16g
Cholesterol: 200mg
