First and foremost, it’s crucial to choose the right cut of lamb. The leg of lamb is the most popular choice for roasting due to its tender meat and rich flavor. You can ask your local butcher to trim and bone it for you if needed. Aim for a leg of lamb that weighs around 4-5 pounds to ensure even cooking.
Once you have your leg of lamb, it’s time to marinate it. This step is essential as it infuses the meat with flavors and keeps it moist during roasting. You can opt for a simple marinade of olive oil, , lemon zest, rosemary, salt, and pepper. Combine these ingredients in a bowl, coat the leg of lamb thoroughly, cover it, and let it marinate in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours or overnight.
Before you start roasting, make sure to remove the lamb from the refrigerator and let it come to room temperature. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) during this time as well. While the lamb is resting, you can prepare a bed of to roast alongside it. Potatoes, carrots, onions, and garlic work well and add a delightful flavor to the dish.
Once the lamb has reached room temperature, place it on a roasting rack with the fat side up. This allows the fat to render and baste the meat, enhancing its juiciness. If you don’t have a roasting rack, you can also use a deep roasting pan with a wire rack or crumpled aluminum foil to lift the lamb off the bottom of the pan.
Next, spread the prepared vegetables around the lamb, ensuring they’re evenly distributed. Drizzle them with olive oil, sprinkle salt and pepper, and toss them gently to coat. This step adds taste and prevents the vegetables from sticking to the pan.
Now, it’s time to roast the lamb. Place the roasting rack in the preheated oven and let it cook for about 20 minutes per pound. This means if you have a 4-pound leg of lamb, it will take around 80 minutes to cook. However, it’s crucial to use a meat thermometer to check for doneness around the 1-hour mark. For medium-rare lamb, the internal temperature should read 135°F (57°C), while medium is around 145°F (63°C). Keep in mind that the temperature will rise slightly during resting.
Once the lamb reaches your desired level of doneness, take it out of the oven and cover it loosely with aluminum foil. Let it rest for about 15-20 minutes. Resting allows the juices to redistribute within the meat, resulting in a more flavorful and tender roast.
After the resting period, it’s time to carve and serve the roasted lamb. Use a sharp knife to slice the meat against the grain into thin pieces. Arrange the slices on a platter along with the roasted vegetables, and garnish with fresh herbs like rosemary or mint.
Preparing a perfectly roasted lamb requires patience and attention to detail, but the end result is worth the effort. So, follow these steps, and let the flavors of tender, succulent lamb coupled with aromatic herbs and roasted vegetables delight your taste buds and those of your loved ones. Enjoy!