Savory Garlic Rosemary Roasted Leg of Lamb Recipe
A delicious and aromatic Savory Garlic Rosemary Roasted Leg of Lamb recipe featuring a fragrant garlic and rosemary rub, roasted to perfection with optional vegetables for a hearty, flavorful meal.
- Author: Lisa
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 40 minutes to 2 hours 30 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 55 minutes to 2 hours 45 minutes
- Yield: 6-8 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Diet: Halal
Main Ingredients
- 5–6 lbs bone-in leg of lamb
- 6–8 cloves garlic, minced
- 4–5 sprigs fresh rosemary, chopped
- 2–3 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tsp salt
- 1 tsp freshly ground black pepper
- 1 tbsp lemon zest (optional)
Roasting Vegetables (Optional)
- Carrots (optional, for roasting)
- Potatoes (optional, for roasting)
- Onions (optional, for roasting)
Other
- 1 cup chicken or beef broth
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it reaches the right temperature for roasting the leg of lamb evenly.
- Prepare the Garlic Rosemary Rub: In a mixing bowl, combine minced garlic, chopped fresh rosemary, olive oil, salt, black pepper, and optional lemon zest. Mix well until it forms a fragrant paste that will infuse flavor into the lamb.
- Prepare the Lamb: Pat the leg of lamb dry with paper towels to help the garlic rosemary paste adhere better. Place the lamb in a roasting pan.
- Apply the Rub: Evenly coat the entire surface of the leg of lamb with the garlic rosemary paste, making sure every part is well-covered for maximum flavor.
- Add Optional Vegetables: Arrange carrots, potatoes, and onions around the lamb in the roasting pan if using, to roast alongside and absorb the delicious flavors.
- Add Broth for Moisture: Pour 1 cup of chicken or beef broth into the bottom of the pan. This liquid will create steam to keep the lamb moist while roasting and serve as basting liquid.
- Roast the Lamb: Place the roasting pan in the preheated oven. Roast the lamb for approximately 20 minutes per pound for medium-rare (internal temperature 130°F/54°C) or 25 minutes per pound for medium (140°F/60°C). Use a meat thermometer to accurately check doneness.
- Baste the Lamb: Every 30 minutes, carefully baste the lamb with the broth from the pan using a spoon or baster to maintain moisture and enhance the flavor throughout roasting.
- Rest the Lamb: Once the desired internal temperature is reached, remove the lamb from the oven and tent it loosely with aluminum foil. Let it rest for 15-20 minutes, allowing juices to redistribute and meat to become tender.
- Slice and Serve: Slice the lamb thinly against the grain. Serve with the roasted vegetables and your favorite side dishes for a complete, savory meal.
Notes
- Resting the lamb after roasting is crucial for juicy, tender slices.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure perfect doneness without overcooking.
- The optional lemon zest adds a bright, citrusy note but can be omitted if preferred.
- If you don’t have fresh rosemary, dried rosemary can be used, but use slightly less to avoid overpowering the dish.
- The broth in the roasting pan helps keep the lamb moist and can be used as a base for making gravy.
- Adjust roasting time depending on the size of the lamb and your desired level of doneness.
Keywords: roasted leg of lamb, garlic rosemary lamb, savory lamb roast, Mediterranean lamb recipe, oven roasted lamb