March 24, 2008

Herb and Garlic Roasted Leg of Lamb

I was less than enthusiastic when my in laws decided on lamb for Easter dinner. I don't like lamb, I don't know why I don't like it. According to my mother, I ate lamb chops as a child (at least once a week), but must have had a bad experience with it somewhere along the line. I don't even want to smell it cooking. Fortunately, leg of lamb is completely different from lamb chops, and this is the perfect recipe.

For a 5 pound leg of lamb:
1/4 cup parsley, finely chopped
3 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon dried rosemary (or 1 tablespoon fresh
2 teaspoons kosher salt
3 cloves garlic, finely chopped
1 teaspoon chopped thyme leaves
Stir ingredients.



Rub on lamb.



Place in 325 degree oven until it reaches an internal temperature of 145 degrees for medium rare or 155 for medium. Remove from oven, cover loosely with foil and let sit for 15-20 minutes before slicing and serving.



I dare say this smelled heavenly as it cooked, and took approximately 2 1/2 hours. Everyone dug in, and absolutely loved this lamb. I had an obligatory bite, but I just can't get past the idea of it. I normally have an adventurous palate- and eating lamb isn't what I would call being adventurous! There was no lack of delectable side dishes- baby new potatoes boiled in lemon water and coated in melted butter, lemon zest and parsley, fresh green beans and a salad with candied sliced almonds and mandarin oranges worthy of its own blog post.

For anyone looking for an easy recipe for leg of lamb, try this. It is a beautiful dish and helps make for a festive meal. I hope you all had a happy Easter, and enjoyed some time with family and had a bite or two of something new or different...and the eggs.

12 comments:

JB said...

lamb - any cut of it - is one of my fav dishes - how do you not like it? How did we have it so much at home? I don't remember eating it once a week. we were spoiled - or maybe Dad liked it. I am definetly trying this recepe.

JB said...
This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
Arties32 said...

Mom said she fed me lamb chops every other day, she might have been exaggerating. If she did, that's probably why I don't like them now. Overexposure. You would have loved Easter dinner.

Anonymous said...

you did have lamb chops as a toddler quite often. JB didn't like them, so we probably didn't have them much after she was born>
(:

JB said...

well - I love them now!

Anonymous said...

I agree with you Jennifer. I can't get over my distaste for lamb. This roasted lamb LOOKS delicious, but I too would have a hard time eating it and enjoying. When I think of lamb I think of rotten dog meat. Is that weird?

Arties32 said...

Not at all

JB said...

OMG - everyday I look on here just to see the lamb again - make something else!!!
Have you been watching the new Top Chef?

Arties32 said...

I'm going to make something Sunday- one of Bethenny Frankel's recipes from her website, bethennybakes.com. It's going to be ratatouille.

Anonymous said...

Yes, I agree with your sister. I have been thinking the same thing. Enough of the lamb already. And I love my shirt. Thank you.

Anonymous said...

I could never get into lamb myself, but what you did with it here sure makes it look tasty! Great job!

Nina Timm said...

Leg of lamb in South Africa is not cheap at all so it is always a treat....