Savory Herb and Honey Marinade for Lamb
This savory herb and honey marinade elevates a simple roast leg of lamb into an unforgettable meal. Originally inspired by a classic recipe, I've made a few tweaks that enhance the flavor profile seamlessly. The combination of honey's sweetness with Dijon mustard's tang, paired with fresh herbs like rosemary and mint creates a uniquely aromatic and inviting taste. Not only is this marinade easy to whip up, it can transform an ordinary dinner into a gourmet experience. Ideal for gatherings, expect guests to rave about the sumptuous flavors and ask for seconds!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
Honey
75 ml (room temperature)
Dijon Mustard
30 ml
Rosemary
30 ml (chopped (fresh or dried))
Oregano
15 ml (chopped (fresh or dried))
Garlic
3 cloves (minced)
Lemon Juice
10 ml
Black Pepper
5 ml (freshly ground)
Coarse Sea Salt
5 ml (freshly ground)
Mint
5 ml (chopped (fresh or dried))
Instructions
1
In a mixing bowl, combine honey, Dijon mustard, chopped rosemary, chopped oregano, minced garlic, lemon juice, freshly ground black pepper, coarse sea salt, and chopped mint.
2
Stir the mixture well until all ingredients are fully integrated. Taste and adjust the seasoning to your preference by adding more herbs, salt, or honey if desired.
3
Using a sharp knife, make several small slits across the surface of the leg of lamb to help the marinade penetrate the meat deeply.
4
Generously baste the leg of lamb with the prepared marinade, ensuring all surfaces are covered.
5
Transfer the lamb into a large dish, pouring the remaining marinade over it. Cover the dish tightly and place it in the refrigerator.
6
Allow the lamb to marinate overnight, turning it once to ensure even flavor absorption. Before roasting, give the meat a final basting with the marinade.
7
Roast the leg of lamb according to your preferred method, and enjoy the depth of flavor brought by this marinade.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary use for this Savory Herb and Honey Marinade?
This marinade is specifically designed to elevate a roast leg of lamb into a gourmet meal.
What are the key flavor components of this recipe?
The recipe combines the sweetness of honey with the tang of Dijon mustard and the aromatic qualities of fresh herbs like rosemary and mint.
How long should I marinate the lamb for the best results?
It is recommended to allow the lamb to marinate overnight in the refrigerator for optimal flavor absorption.
Can I use dried herbs instead of fresh ones?
Yes, the recipe allows for either fresh or dried rosemary, oregano, and mint.
Why should I make slits in the leg of lamb?
Making small slits across the surface of the meat helps the marinade penetrate deeply for a better flavor profile.
What type of mustard is required for this marinade?
The recipe specifically calls for Dijon mustard to provide a necessary tangy flavor.
How much honey is used in the marinade?
The recipe requires 75 ml of honey, ideally at room temperature.
Is this recipe suitable for a dinner party?
Yes, the description notes that it is ideal for gatherings and is expected to impress guests.
How much garlic does the recipe call for?
You will need 3 cloves of garlic, minced, for this recipe.
Should I turn the lamb while it is marinating?
Yes, you should turn the meat once during the overnight marination process to ensure even flavor.
What is the recommended amount of rosemary?
The recipe calls for 30 ml of chopped rosemary.
Can I adjust the seasoning of the marinade?
Yes, after mixing, you should taste and adjust the seasoning by adding more herbs, salt, or honey as desired.
What kind of salt is used in this recipe?
The recipe recommends 5 ml of freshly ground coarse sea salt.
Is lemon juice an ingredient in this marinade?
Yes, 10 ml of lemon juice is included to provide acidity.
What is the final step before roasting the lamb?
Before roasting, give the meat one final basting with the prepared marinade.
How much mint is needed?
The recipe requires 5 ml of chopped mint.
What type of pepper should be used?
The recipe suggests 5 ml of freshly ground black pepper.
How much oregano is included in the mix?
The marinade uses 15 ml of chopped oregano.
Is this marinade considered easy to prepare?
Yes, the recipe is tagged as an 'easy recipe' and is simple to whip up.
Does the marinade need to be refrigerated?
Yes, the lamb should be placed in the refrigerator while it marinates overnight.
What is the amount of Dijon mustard used?
The recipe calls for 30 ml of Dijon mustard.
Should the honey be at a specific temperature?
The recipe specifies that the honey should be at room temperature for better mixing.
Can this marinade be used for BBQ cooking?
Yes, 'bbq' is one of the tags associated with this recipe.
How should the marinade be applied?
You should generously baste the leg of lamb, ensuring all surfaces are covered.
What do I do with the remaining marinade in the dish?
The instructions say to pour any remaining marinade over the lamb before covering the dish.
Is this a savory or sweet recipe?
It is a savory recipe that uses honey for a touch of sweetness to balance the herbs and mustard.
What size leg of lamb is this for?
While specific weight isn't listed, the proportions are designed for a standard roast leg of lamb.
Can I use this for other types of meat?
While formulated for lamb, the herb and honey profile is versatile for other roasts.
What kind of preparation is needed for the garlic?
The garlic should be minced before being added to the mixing bowl.
Does this recipe have a high protein content?
The marinade itself is tagged as 'low protein', though it is used on lamb which is a protein source.