Leg of Lamb with Ras el Hanout Rub
Overview:
Indulge in the exotic flavors of the Middle East with this tantalizing Leg of Lamb recipe featuring a vibrant Ras el Hanout rub. Perfect for special occasions or a memorable family meal, this dish promises to elevate your culinary experience with its aromatic spices and succulent lamb.
- Preparation Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Cooking Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 40 minutes
- Serving: 2 servings
Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons Ras el Hanout spice mix
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon honey
- Zest of 1 lime
- Zest of 1 lemon
- Juice of 2 limes
- 1 boneless leg of lamb (approximately 2 pounds)
Instructions:
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Prepare the Ras el Hanout Rub:
- In a small mixing bowl, combine the Ras el Hanout spice mix, minced garlic, honey, lime zest, lemon zest, and lime juice. Stir well to create a fragrant paste.
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Marinate the Lamb:
- Using a sharp knife, make a few shallow cuts or stabs all over the surface of the lamb. This helps the marinade penetrate deeper into the meat.
- Generously rub the prepared Ras el Hanout paste all over the lamb, ensuring it is evenly coated. Take your time to massage the marinade into the meat, allowing the flavors to infuse thoroughly.
- Set the lamb aside and let it marinate at room temperature for about 1 hour. This allows the meat to absorb the flavors and come to room temperature, ensuring more even cooking.
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Grill the Lamb:
- Preheat your grill or BBQ to medium-high heat.
- Once the grill is hot, carefully place the marinated leg of lamb on the grill grates.
- Grill the lamb for approximately 30 minutes, turning occasionally, or until it reaches your desired level of doneness. For medium-rare, aim for an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C). Adjust the cooking time according to your preferences and the thickness of the meat.
- While grilling, baste the lamb occasionally with any remaining marinade for extra flavor and moisture.
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Rest and Serve:
- Once the lamb is cooked to your liking, remove it from the grill and transfer it to a cutting board.
- Loosely tent the lamb with aluminum foil and let it rest for about 20 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, ensuring a tender and juicy result.
- After resting, carve the leg of lamb into thick slices, against the grain, for maximum tenderness and flavor.
- Serve the succulent Ras el Hanout-rubbed leg of lamb hot, accompanied by your favorite sides and garnishes. Enjoy the rich and aromatic flavors of this Middle Eastern-inspired dish!
Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
- Calories: 779.6
- Total Fat: 56.9g
- Saturated Fat: 24.8g
- Cholesterol: 230mg
- Sodium: 187mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 3.5g
- Dietary Fiber: 0g
- Sugar: 2.9g
- Protein: 59.8g
Tips for Success:
- For added depth of flavor, consider marinating the lamb overnight in the Ras el Hanout rub in the refrigerator. This allows the spices to permeate the meat even further, resulting in an even more flavorful dish.
- Don’t rush the resting process after grilling. Allowing the lamb to rest ensures that the juices redistribute evenly throughout the meat, preventing them from escaping when sliced, resulting in a moist and tender texture.
- Serve the Ras el Hanout-rubbed leg of lamb with a refreshing side salad, couscous, or grilled vegetables for a complete and satisfying meal. Garnish with fresh herbs and a squeeze of lemon juice for an extra burst of flavor.
- Experiment with different cuts of lamb, such as lamb chops or lamb shoulder, using the same Ras el Hanout rub for a versatile and flavorful twist on classic lamb dishes.
Conclusion:
Elevate your culinary repertoire with this exquisite Leg of Lamb recipe featuring a tantalizing Ras el Hanout rub. Bursting with aromatic spices and succulent flavors, this dish is sure to impress your family and guests alike. Whether served as the centerpiece of a special occasion or enjoyed as a memorable family meal, this Middle Eastern-inspired dish promises to delight your taste buds and leave you craving more. Try it today and embark on a culinary journey to the vibrant flavors of the Mediterranean! 🍖🌿