Ingredients
Scale
- 1 Leg of Lamb (5–7 pounds), boneless and butterflied: This is the star of the show! Opt for a boneless leg of lamb for ease of butterflying and even cooking. If you purchase bone-in, you can butterfly it yourself (instructions below!) or ask your butcher to do it for you.
- 1/2 cup Olive Oil: Extra virgin olive oil is best for both flavor and health benefits. It helps the marinade penetrate the lamb and adds richness to the overall dish.
- 1/4 cup Fresh Lemon Juice: The acidity of lemon juice tenderizes the lamb and brightens the flavors of the marinade. Freshly squeezed is always preferred for the best taste.
- 6 cloves Garlic, minced: Garlic is a flavor powerhouse! Freshly minced garlic provides a pungent, aromatic base for the marinade.
- 2 tablespoons Fresh Rosemary, chopped: Rosemary’s piney, robust flavor is a classic pairing with lamb. Fresh rosemary is essential for that authentic Mediterranean taste.
- 2 tablespoons Fresh Thyme, chopped: Thyme adds an earthy, slightly lemony note that complements the rosemary and lamb beautifully. Fresh thyme is preferred, but dried can be substituted in a smaller quantity (about 2 teaspoons).
- 1 tablespoon Dijon Mustard: Dijon mustard adds a subtle tang and depth of flavor to the marinade, helping to emulsify it and coat the lamb evenly.
- 1 teaspoon Dried Oregano: Oregano brings a slightly peppery, warm flavor that enhances the Mediterranean profile of the dish.
- 1 teaspoon Salt: Kosher salt or sea salt is recommended. Salt is crucial for seasoning the lamb and drawing out its natural flavors.
- 1/2 teaspoon Black Pepper, freshly ground: Freshly ground black pepper provides a bolder, more aromatic pepper flavor compared to pre-ground pepper.
For the Root Vegetables:
- 1 pound Carrots, peeled and cut into 1-inch pieces: Carrots provide sweetness and vibrant color to the dish. Choose firm carrots for roasting.
- 1 pound Potatoes (such as Yukon Gold or Russet), cut into 1-inch pieces: Potatoes add heartiness and absorb the delicious lamb drippings during roasting. Yukon Golds offer a creamy texture, while Russets become fluffy.
- 1 pound Sweet Potatoes, peeled and cut into 1-inch pieces: Sweet potatoes bring sweetness and a different texture to the mix, complementing the other root vegetables.
- 1 pound Parsnips, peeled and cut into 1-inch pieces: Parsnips offer a unique sweet and slightly spicy flavor that pairs wonderfully with lamb and other root vegetables.
- 1 Red Onion, cut into wedges: Red onion adds a pungent, slightly sweet flavor that mellows as it roasts.
- 2 tablespoons Olive Oil: Olive oil helps the vegetables roast and caramelize beautifully, preventing them from drying out.
- 1 teaspoon Salt: Salt enhances the flavor of the vegetables.
- 1/2 teaspoon Black Pepper, freshly ground: Freshly ground black pepper adds a touch of spice to the vegetables.
- Optional: 2-3 sprigs Fresh Rosemary and Thyme: Adding extra sprigs of rosemary and thyme to the vegetables during roasting intensifies the herby aroma and flavor.
Instructions
- Prepare the Marinade: In a large bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, chopped rosemary, chopped thyme, Dijon mustard, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper. Ensure all ingredients are well combined and emulsified. This fragrant marinade is the key to infusing the lamb with incredible flavor.
- Marinate the Lamb: Place the butterflied leg of lamb in a large resealable plastic bag or a shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the lamb, ensuring it’s evenly coated on all sides. Massage the marinade into the lamb, working it into the crevices and folds. Seal the bag or cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight for maximum flavor penetration. The longer it marinates, the more flavorful and tender the lamb will become.
- Preheat the Oven and Prepare Vegetables: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). While the oven is preheating, prepare the root vegetables. In a large bowl, toss the carrots, potatoes, sweet potatoes, parsnips, and red onion wedges with olive oil, salt, and black pepper. If using, add the extra sprigs of rosemary and thyme to the vegetables for added aroma. Toss everything together until the vegetables are evenly coated with oil and seasonings.
- Roast the Vegetables: Spread the seasoned root vegetables in a single layer in the bottom of a large roasting pan. Roasting them in a single layer ensures even cooking and caramelization.
- Prepare the Lamb for Roasting: Remove the marinated leg of lamb from the refrigerator about 30 minutes before roasting to allow it to come closer to room temperature. This helps the lamb cook more evenly. Take the lamb out of the marinade and place it on top of the bed of root vegetables in the roasting pan. Arrange the lamb so that it’s relatively flat and even for consistent cooking.
- Roast the Lamb and Vegetables: Place the roasting pan in the preheated oven and roast for approximately 1 hour to 1 hour and 15 minutes, or until the lamb reaches your desired level of doneness. Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the lamb.
- For Medium-Rare: Aim for an internal temperature of 130-135°F (54-57°C).
- For Medium: Aim for an internal temperature of 135-140°F (57-60°C).
- For Medium-Well: Aim for an internal temperature of 140-145°F (60-63°C).
- For Well-Done: Aim for an internal temperature of 145°F+ (63°C+).
Note: Cooking times may vary depending on the thickness of the lamb and your oven. It’s crucial to use a meat thermometer to ensure accurate doneness.
- Rest the Lamb: Once the lamb reaches your desired temperature, remove the roasting pan from the oven. Transfer the lamb to a cutting board and tent it loosely with aluminum foil. Let the lamb rest for at least 15-20 minutes before carving. Resting allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, resulting in a more tender and flavorful roast. Leave the root vegetables in the roasting pan to keep warm.
- Carve and Serve: After the lamb has rested, carve it against the grain into thin slices. Arrange the carved lamb on a platter surrounded by the roasted root vegetables. Drizzle any pan juices over the lamb and vegetables for added flavor and moisture. Serve immediately and enjoy this incredible feast!
Nutrition
- Serving Size: one normal portion
- Calories: 550-700
- Fat: 30-40 grams
- Carbohydrates: 40-50 grams
- Fiber: 8-10 grams
- Protein: 40-50 grams