Herbed Leg of Lamb: A Delightful Fusion of Fresh Herbs and Succulent Meat 🍖🌿
Description
My family adores lamb, and with an abundance of fresh herbs growing in my garden, this herbed leg of lamb recipe has become a cherished favorite. Instead of the traditional mint jelly, I love serving it with my homemade pear and apple chutney, which adds a unique and delicious twist. This recipe combines the earthy flavors of fresh rosemary and thyme with the robust taste of Dijon mustard, creating a truly memorable dish perfect for any occasion.
Prep Time and Cook Time
| Prep Time | Cook Time | Total Time |
|---|---|---|
| 30 minutes | 3 hours | 3 hours 30 minutes |
Ingredients
- 5 lbs boneless leg of lamb
- 3/4 cup Dijon mustard
- 1/2 cup fresh rosemary, chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh thyme, chopped
- 6 cloves garlic, divided
- 1 cup beef broth
- 3/4 cup red wine
Nutritional Information
- Calories: 557.4 kcal
- Fat Content: 39.7 g
- Saturated Fat Content: 17 g
- Cholesterol Content: 156.5 mg
- Sodium Content: 488.1 mg
- Carbohydrate Content: 2.6 g
- Fiber Content: 1 g
- Sugar Content: 0.3 g
- Protein Content: 42.1 g
- Servings: 10
Instructions
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Prepare the Lamb: Season the leg of lamb generously with salt and pepper. This initial step ensures that the meat absorbs the flavors right from the start, creating a robust base for the dish.
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Infuse with Garlic: Take two cloves of garlic and sliver them into thin pieces. Using a sharp knife, cut small slits into the lamb and insert the slivers of garlic into these slits. This technique will infuse the lamb with a rich garlic flavor as it roasts.
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Coat with Mustard: Rub the entire leg of lamb generously with Dijon mustard. The mustard not only adds a tangy flavor but also helps the herbs adhere to the meat, creating a flavorful crust as it cooks.
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Herb Mixture: Mix the fresh rosemary and thyme together. Pat this herb mixture evenly over the lamb, pressing gently to ensure it sticks. The fresh herbs will impart a fragrant aroma and a fresh, earthy taste to the lamb.
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Preheat the Oven: Heat your oven to 375°F (190°C). While the oven is heating, place the lamb in a roasting pan. Scatter the remaining garlic cloves, peeled but left whole, around the lamb in the pan.
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First Roast: Roast the lamb uncovered in the preheated oven for 1 hour. This initial high-temperature roast helps to form a beautiful, flavorful crust on the outside of the lamb.
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Prepare the Liquid: While the lamb is roasting, combine the beef broth and red wine in a saucepan. Reduce this mixture over medium heat until you have about 2 cups of liquid. This reduction will concentrate the flavors, adding depth to the dish.
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Lower the Heat: After the first hour of roasting, reduce the oven temperature to 300°F (150°C). Pour the reduced broth and wine mixture over the lamb, then cover the roasting pan.
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Second Roast: Continue to roast the lamb for another hour, allowing the flavors to meld and the meat to tenderize. The lower temperature ensures that the lamb cooks evenly and stays juicy.
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Final Baste and Roast: After the second hour, baste the lamb with the juices from the pan. Roast for an additional 45 minutes, uncovered. This final roasting step will enhance the crust and further concentrate the flavors.
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Rest the Lamb: Turn off the oven and let the lamb sit, covered, in the warm oven for about 15-20 minutes. This resting period allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, making it tender and juicy.
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Serve: Slice the lamb and serve with the pan juices (au jus) and your favorite chutney or mint sauce. The combination of the tender, flavorful lamb with the sweet and tangy chutney is simply irresistible.
Tips and Variations
- Herb Substitutes: If you don’t have fresh herbs, you can use dried rosemary and thyme. Use about one-third the amount of dried herbs, as they are more concentrated.
- Chutney Options: If you don’t have homemade pear and apple chutney, store-bought chutney works well too. Mango chutney is also a delicious alternative.
- Wine Substitute: If you prefer not to use wine, you can substitute with additional beef broth or a combination of beef broth and a tablespoon of balsamic vinegar for added depth.
Enjoying Your Herbed Leg of Lamb
This herbed leg of lamb is perfect for a family dinner, special occasions, or holiday feasts. The combination of fresh herbs, garlic, and Dijon mustard creates a harmonious flavor profile that is sure to impress your guests. Pair it with roasted vegetables, creamy mashed potatoes, or a fresh green salad for a complete meal that celebrates the best of home-cooked goodness. 🍷🥗🍖
Enjoy your culinary journey with this delightful herbed leg of lamb recipe, and don’t forget to share the love with your family and friends! Happy cooking! 😊🌿
