Herb-Infused Roasted Leg of Lamb
Experience the succulent flavors of a perfectly roasted leg of lamb, infused with aromatic herbs and garlic. This classic dish is marinated with a blend of rosemary and garlic, ensuring that every bite is bursting with rich, savory goodness. Ideal for festive gatherings or special occasions, it pairs beautifully with a refreshing Greek lemon sauce or traditional mint jelly. Choose your preferred cooking temperature for a delightful tenderness, with options for 350°F or 325°F for more melt-in-your-mouth results. Serve this magnificent centerpiece to impress your guests and create lasting memories around the dining table.
10
Servings
220
Calories
6
Ingredients
Ingredients
Leg of lamb, bone-in
5 lbs (whole)
Ground rosemary
1 tsp (or use 2 tsp. freshly minced)
Salt
2 tsp (to taste)
Pepper
1 tsp (to taste)
Garlic cloves
2 large (sliced into slivers)
Olive oil
3 tbsp (for rubbing)
Instructions
1
Preheat the oven to 450°F (232°C).
2
In a small bowl, combine the ground rosemary, salt, and pepper to create a seasoning blend.
3
Generously apply half of the spice mixture to the larger end of the leg of lamb, ensuring even coverage.
4
Slice the garlic cloves into 15 to 20 thin slivers and mix them with the remaining spice blend.
5
Using a sharp knife, create 15 to 20 small slits in the surface of the leg of lamb and insert the spiced garlic slivers into each slit.
6
Drizzle the olive oil over the entire leg of lamb, rubbing it in to ensure full coverage.
7
Place the leg of lamb on a roasting rack in the center of a large roasting pan.
8
Cook in the preheated oven for 15 minutes at 450°F, then reduce the heat to 350°F and continue cooking for an additional 1 hour and 15 minutes (for a total of 1 hour and 30 minutes). Alternatively, if cooking at 325°F, adjust the cooking time accordingly.
9
To ensure perfect doneness, use an instant-read thermometer to check the internal temperature in the thickest part of the leg, aiming for 130°F to 140°F (54°C to 60°C). Keep in mind that the temperature will rise about 5°F while resting.
10
Once done, remove the leg of lamb from the oven and cover it loosely with aluminum foil. Allow it to rest for 10 to 15 minutes to let the juices redistribute.
11
Slice the lamb into thin slices and serve with your choice of dipping sauces such as Greek lemon sauce or mint jelly.
Nutrition Information
16g
Fat
0.6g
Carbs
20g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main dish featured in this recipe?
The main dish is a Herb-Infused Roasted Leg of Lamb.
How many servings does this leg of lamb recipe provide?
This recipe provides 10 servings.
What are the calorie counts per serving for this lamb?
Each serving contains approximately 220 calories.
How much protein is in each serving of the lamb?
There are 20g of protein per serving.
What is the total fat content per serving?
The total fat content per serving is 16g.
Is this recipe low in carbohydrates?
Yes, it is very low in carbohydrates, containing only 0.6g per serving.
What size leg of lamb is required for this recipe?
You will need a 5 lb bone-in leg of lamb.
Should the leg of lamb be bone-in or boneless?
This specific recipe calls for a bone-in leg of lamb.
What type of rosemary is recommended?
You can use 1 teaspoon of ground rosemary or 2 teaspoons of freshly minced rosemary.
How much olive oil is used to rub the lamb?
The recipe requires 3 tablespoons of olive oil for rubbing.
How many garlic cloves are needed for the infusion?
Two large garlic cloves are needed, which should be sliced into slivers.
At what temperature should the oven be preheated?
The oven should be preheated to 450°F (232°C).
How long does the lamb cook at the initial high temperature?
The lamb should cook at 450°F for 15 minutes.
What temperature should the oven be set to after the initial 15 minutes?
After the first 15 minutes, reduce the heat to 350°F.
What is the total recommended cooking time at 350°F?
Cook for an additional 1 hour and 15 minutes after the initial high-heat period.
Can I cook the lamb at a lower temperature?
Yes, you can cook it at 325°F, though you must adjust the cooking time accordingly.
How do I prepare the garlic for the lamb?
Slice the garlic into 15 to 20 thin slivers and mix them with half of the spice blend.
How is the garlic inserted into the meat?
Create 15 to 20 small slits in the surface of the lamb and insert the spiced garlic slivers into each slit.
What seasoning blend is used for the rub?
A mixture of ground rosemary, salt, and pepper is used.
What is the target internal temperature for the lamb?
The internal temperature should reach between 130°F to 140°F (54°C to 60°C).
Where should I check the internal temperature?
Check the internal temperature in the thickest part of the leg using an instant-read thermometer.
Does the temperature of the meat change after it is removed from the oven?
Yes, the internal temperature will typically rise about 5°F while resting.
How long should the lamb rest before slicing?
Allow the lamb to rest for 10 to 15 minutes.
Why is it important to let the lamb rest?
Resting allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat for better flavor and texture.
What should I cover the lamb with during the resting period?
Cover the meat loosely with aluminum foil while it rests.
How should the lamb be sliced for serving?
The lamb should be carved into thin slices.
What dipping sauces are recommended for this dish?
It pairs beautifully with Greek lemon sauce or traditional mint jelly.
What kind of roasting equipment is needed?
A large roasting pan with a roasting rack is required.
Is this recipe suitable for a holiday meal?
Yes, it is specifically noted as an ideal centerpiece for festive gatherings or special occasions.
Does the recipe contain any sugar or fiber?
No, the recipe contains null or negligible amounts of sugar and fiber.