Roast Leg of Lamb with Cranberry-Fig Stuffing π
Introduction:
Roast leg of lamb with cranberry-fig stuffing is a delightful dish that elevates the flavors of lamb with the sweetness of fruit. The aroma that fills your kitchen as it cooks is simply irresistible, making it perfect for a special dinner or holiday feast. This recipe combines tender leg of lamb with a savory-sweet stuffing made from dried cranberries, currants, and figs, creating a symphony of flavors that will tantalize your taste buds. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight meal or entertaining guests, this roast leg of lamb is sure to impress!
Ingredients:
- 1 cup dried cranberries
- 1/2 cup currants
- 1 1/2 cups dried figs
- 1 1/2 cups boiling water
- 6 pounds leg of lamb
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves
- 1 tablespoon chopped sage
- Zest of 1 orange
- 2 carrots, chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 1 onion, chopped
- 1 cup dry red wine
Nutrition Facts (per serving):
- Calories: 767.9
- Fat: 46.1g
- Saturated Fat: 19.8g
- Cholesterol: 227.9mg
- Sodium: 213.1mg
- Carbohydrates: 15.5g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 8.2g
- Protein: 64.3g
Instructions:
| Prep Time | Cook Time | Total Time |
|---|---|---|
| 25 minutes | 1 hour 30 minutes | 1 hour 55 minutes |
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Soak Dried Fruits: In a bowl, soak the dried cranberries, currants, and figs in boiling water for 30 minutes. This will plump them up and infuse them with moisture.
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Prepare Lamb: Season the leg of lamb generously with salt and pepper, ensuring it is evenly coated. In a small bowl, mix together the minced garlic, fresh thyme leaves, and chopped sage. Rub this mixture all over the lamb, ensuring it is well seasoned.
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Stuff the Lamb: Sprinkle the inside of the leg of lamb with the zest of one orange. Drain the soaked dried fruits, reserving the liquid. Spread the plumped fruits evenly inside the leg of lamb, creating a layer that is about 1/2 inch thick. Roll the leg of lamb from the smaller end, jelly roll style, and tie it securely with kitchen twine to hold its shape.
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Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 425Β°F (220Β°C). This high temperature will help sear the lamb and lock in its juices.
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Roast the Lamb: Place the stuffed leg of lamb in a shallow roasting pan. Add the chopped carrots, celery, and onion to the pan, creating a flavorful bed for the lamb to rest on. Pour in the reserved soaking liquid from the dried fruits, along with the orange juice and dry red wine. Cover the roasting pan with foil and roast the lamb in the preheated oven for 30 minutes.
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Lower the Temperature: After 30 minutes, reduce the oven temperature to 325Β°F (160Β°C). Remove the foil from the roasting pan, but loosely cover the lamb with it, leaving a small opening for steam to escape. Continue roasting the lamb for an additional 45-60 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 155Β°F (68Β°C) for medium doneness.
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Rest and Serve: Once the lamb reaches the desired doneness, transfer it to a serving platter and let it rest for 10-15 minutes. Meanwhile, remove the bone from the roasting pan and skim off any excess fat from the pan juices. Strain the vegetables from the pan juices and transfer the juices to a saucepan. Simmer the juices over medium heat until they have reduced by about half, creating a flavorful sauce to accompany the lamb.
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Serve and Enjoy: Slice the roast leg of lamb and serve it with the reduced pan juices on the side. The tender meat infused with the sweet and savory flavors of the cranberry-fig stuffing is sure to delight your taste buds and impress your guests!
Tips:
- For a richer flavor, marinate the leg of lamb with the garlic, thyme, and sage mixture overnight in the refrigerator before stuffing and roasting it.
- Make sure to tie the rolled leg of lamb securely with kitchen twine to hold its shape while roasting.
- If you prefer a sweeter stuffing, you can add a sprinkle of brown sugar or honey to the dried fruit mixture before stuffing the lamb.
- Serve the roast leg of lamb with your favorite side dishes, such as roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a fresh green salad, for a complete and satisfying meal.
Conclusion:
Roast leg of lamb with cranberry-fig stuffing is a delicious and impressive dish that is perfect for any occasion. With its tender, flavorful meat and sweet-savory stuffing, it’s sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection. Whether you’re cooking for a special dinner or a casual weeknight meal, this roast leg of lamb will delight your taste buds and leave your guests asking for seconds. Try it today and enjoy the wonderful flavors of fruit-enhanced lamb!
