Roast Lamb with Potatoes – A Perfect Comfort Dish for Family Meals
When it comes to hearty, satisfying, and delicious main courses, few dishes can rival the comfort of a perfectly roasted lamb with potatoes. This classic recipe combines tender lamb, infused with a medley of aromatic herbs and the natural sweetness of potatoes, making it the perfect centerpiece for any family gathering or dinner party. With a carefully balanced combination of simple, yet flavorful ingredients, this dish delivers both elegance and warmth in every bite. Whether you’re looking to impress guests or treat your family to something special, this roast lamb with potatoes recipe will undoubtedly become a favorite.
Recipe Overview:
- Category: Main Course (Secondi Piatti)
- Servings: 4
- Preparation Time: 15 minutes
- Cooking Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Difficulty Level: Medium
Ingredients
This recipe uses fresh, wholesome ingredients that elevate the natural flavors of the lamb and potatoes. Each ingredient is carefully selected to bring out the best in the dish, from the herbs and spices to the oils that enhance the overall taste. Here’s a closer look at what you’ll need:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Lamb (preferably bone-in) | 1 kg |
| Red Potatoes | 1 kg |
| Spring Onions (Cipollotti) | 1 |
| Garlic Cloves | 1 |
| Lemon Juice | 1 lemon |
| Water | 200 g |
| Dry White Wine | 80 g |
| Fresh Thyme | 3 sprigs |
| Fresh Rosemary | 2 sprigs |
| Fresh Sage | 4 leaves |
| Bay Leaves | 2 |
| Juniper Berries | 5 berries |
| Coarse Sea Salt | To taste |
| Freshly Ground Black Pepper | To taste |
| Extra Virgin Olive Oil | To taste |
Preparation Instructions
To achieve the best results, it’s important to follow each step carefully and allow the ingredients to fully infuse their flavors. The preparation process for this roast lamb with potatoes is straightforward and ensures that every bite is bursting with delicious flavors. Here’s how to prepare this dish:
Step 1: Marinate the Lamb
Start by placing the lamb pieces in a large mixing bowl. Squeeze the juice of one lemon over the lamb, making sure to remove any seeds that may fall in. Add the dry white wine and crush the juniper berries slightly to release their flavor, then add them to the bowl. Toss in the whole garlic cloves (still in their skins) and give everything a good mix. Allow the lamb to marinate for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors infuse into the meat.
Step 2: Prepare the Vegetables
While the lamb is marinating, wash and dry the red potatoes thoroughly. Cut each potato into halves or quarters, depending on their size, and set them aside. Now, take the spring onion (cipollotto) and trim off the root end, then slice the onion lengthwise into strips. You can halve these strips if they’re too long. Set aside the prepared onion.
Step 3: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 195°C (375°F), using the static mode for even cooking. This is the perfect temperature to ensure that both the lamb and potatoes cook to perfection, with the lamb remaining tender and juicy, while the potatoes develop a crispy, golden exterior.
Step 4: Prepare the Baking Dish
Lightly oil a baking dish or roasting pan. Add the red potatoes and scatter the sliced spring onions over them, ensuring an even distribution. At this point, you can also add the herbs – fresh sprigs of thyme, rosemary, and sage, along with the bay leaves. For added flavor, pour the water into the pan and drizzle some extra virgin olive oil over the potatoes and onions. Season generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper, then give everything a gentle toss to coat.
Step 5: Roast the Lamb and Potatoes
Place the marinated lamb pieces on top of the prepared potatoes and onions in the baking dish. This will allow the lamb juices to drip onto the vegetables, infusing them with rich flavor during cooking. Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil to retain moisture and prevent the lamb from drying out.
Roast the dish in the preheated oven for about 1 hour and 30 minutes. Check halfway through the cooking time and, if necessary, cover the lamb with aluminum foil to prevent it from overcooking while the potatoes finish baking. If the lamb is cooking faster than the potatoes, this step is particularly important.
Step 6: Finishing Touches
Once the lamb is tender and golden, remove the aluminum foil and continue roasting for an additional 15-20 minutes. This will allow the lamb to develop a beautiful crust while the potatoes become perfectly roasted and crispy on the edges.
When the dish is done, remove it from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before serving. This ensures that the juices redistribute within the meat, making each bite even more flavorful.
Serving Suggestions
To serve, carve the lamb into slices and arrange it on a platter with the roasted potatoes and onions. Garnish with extra sprigs of rosemary and thyme for a touch of color and aroma. For an extra burst of freshness, serve with a simple green salad or steamed vegetables on the side.
Tips and Variations
- Marinate Longer: If you have time, marinating the lamb for several hours or overnight will intensify the flavors and make the meat even more tender.
- Add Other Root Vegetables: Feel free to add carrots, parsnips, or other root vegetables to the roasting pan for added variety and flavor.
- Herb Substitutes: If you don’t have fresh herbs on hand, you can use dried thyme, rosemary, and sage. Just be sure to adjust the quantities since dried herbs are more concentrated.
- Wine Pairing: This dish pairs beautifully with a dry red wine like Chianti or Merlot, which complements the rich flavors of the lamb.
Nutritional Information (per serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 500 kcal |
| Protein | 35 g |
| Carbohydrates | 45 g |
| Dietary Fiber | 7 g |
| Sugars | 4 g |
| Fat | 20 g |
| Saturated Fat | 4 g |
| Cholesterol | 85 mg |
| Sodium | 350 mg |
| Potassium | 950 mg |
| Vitamin A | 15% of daily value |
| Vitamin C | 20% of daily value |
| Calcium | 4% of daily value |
| Iron | 15% of daily value |
Conclusion
This roast lamb with potatoes is a quintessentially comforting dish that blends simple ingredients with bold flavors to create a meal that’s both satisfying and hearty. Whether you’re preparing it for a special occasion or just a cozy family dinner, it will quickly become a go-to recipe for anyone who appreciates rich, flavorful food. With a perfect balance of succulent lamb, crispy potatoes, and aromatic herbs, this dish promises to deliver a deliciously memorable meal that your guests will rave about!
