Ingredients
Scale
For the herb marinade:
- 1 leg of lamb (about 2.5–3kg), bone-in or boneless
- 5 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tablespoons fresh rosemary, finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard (optional)
- 2 teaspoons ground black pepper
- 1½ teaspoons salt
- ¼ cup olive oil
- Juice of 1 lemon
Optional additions:
- 1 onion, quartered (for roasting pan)
- 2 carrots, chopped (for roasting pan)
- 1 cup water or low-sodium broth (for moisture in pan)
Instructions
1. Prepare the marinade
- In a small bowl, combine minced garlic, rosemary, thyme, parsley, mustard (if using), black pepper, salt, olive oil, and lemon juice.
- Stir well to create a thick herb paste.
2. Prepare the lamb
- Pat the lamb dry with paper towels.
- Make shallow incisions across the surface of the lamb with a sharp knife to allow the marinade to penetrate deeper.
- Rub the herb marinade generously over the entire leg of lamb, working it into the cuts and crevices.
3. Marinate the lamb
- Place the lamb in a large dish or resealable bag and cover tightly.
- Marinate in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours, ideally overnight for deeper flavor.
- Remove from fridge 1 hour before roasting to bring to room temperature.
4. Prepare the roasting pan
- Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F).
- Place onion and carrot pieces in the bottom of a roasting pan to act as a natural rack and infuse flavor.
- Add 1 cup of water or broth to the pan for added moisture during roasting.
5. Roast the lamb
- Place the marinated lamb on top of the vegetables in the pan.
- Roast uncovered for about 20 minutes per 500g (1.1 lb), or until the internal temperature reaches:
- 50–52°C (122–125°F) for rare
- 55–57°C (130–135°F) for medium-rare
- 60–63°C (140–145°F) for medium
- 65–70°C (150–158°F) for medium-well
- Use a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the roast to ensure accuracy.
6. Rest the lamb
- Once desired doneness is achieved, remove the lamb from the oven and tent it loosely with foil.
- Let rest for at least 20 minutes before carving. This allows the juices to redistribute for a more tender, flavorful roast.
7. Carve and serve
- Use a sharp carving knife to slice thin or thick portions, depending on preference.
- Serve with pan juices or your choice of sauce, along with your favorite sides.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 1½ to 2 hours (depending on weight and desired doneness)
Nutrition
- Serving Size: Approximately 200–250g per person
- Calories: 390
- Sugar: 0g
- Fat: 26g
- Carbohydrates: 2g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 36g