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Perfect Savory Roasted Leg of Lamb Recipe for Easy Holiday Feasts

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A straightforward and flavorful roasted leg of lamb recipe that delivers tender, juicy meat with a crispy herbaceous crust, perfect for holiday feasts and special gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 5 to 6 pounds leg of lamb, bone-in or boneless
  • 6 to 8 cloves garlic, minced or finely grated
  • 3 tablespoons fresh rosemary, chopped
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil (extra virgin preferred)
  • 2 teaspoons sea salt, coarse or flaky
  • 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • Zest of 1 lemon (optional)
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
  2. Trim the leg of lamb by removing thick excess fat, leaving a thin layer for flavor. Score the surface in a diamond pattern about ½ inch apart.
  3. In a mixing bowl, combine minced garlic, chopped rosemary, olive oil, sea salt, black pepper, lemon zest, and Dijon mustard if using. Stir until it forms a paste.
  4. Rub the herb mixture all over the lamb, making sure to get into the scored crevices. Let it marinate at room temperature for 30 minutes if possible.
  5. Place the lamb fat side up on a roasting rack in a roasting pan.
  6. Roast at 425°F (220°C) for 20 minutes to develop a crispy crust.
  7. Reduce oven temperature to 350°F (175°C) and continue roasting about 15–20 minutes per pound (approximately 1 hour 15 minutes for a 5-pound leg). Use a meat thermometer to check for 135°F (57°C) for medium-rare or 145°F (63°C) for medium.
  8. Remove the lamb from the oven and tent loosely with aluminum foil. Let rest for at least 15 minutes to allow juices to redistribute.
  9. Carve the lamb against the grain into ¼-inch thick slices and serve.

Notes

Do not skip the resting step to keep the lamb juicy. Tent with foil if the crust browns too quickly. Use a meat thermometer for best results. For a pan sauce, deglaze the roasting pan with red wine or broth after roasting.

Nutrition

Keywords: roasted leg of lamb, holiday roast, savory lamb recipe, garlic rosemary lamb, easy holiday feast, lamb roast, festive dinner

Find it online: https://bouncybowl.com/perfect-savory-roasted-leg-of-lamb-recipe-for-easy-holiday-feasts/