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Classic Roast Leg of Lamb
3 to 6 cloves of garlic
1/3 cup olive oil, or more
2 Tbsp. crushed dried rosemary or dried oregano, or both,
to taste
Strained fresh juice of 4 lemons, or more to taste |
1 cup dry red wine
1 leg of lamb, trimmed, about 5 pounds
Salt and freshly ground pepper, to taste
Small new potatoes, whole or halved, optional |
Finely chop 2 garlic cloves and combine them in a large
bowl with 1 tablespoon olive oil, 1 tablespoon of the dried rosemary and/or
oregano, juice of 2 lemons, and dry red wine to make a marinade. Marinate
lamb in mixture, cover and refrigerate for 6 to 12 hours, turning lamb
several times.
Remove lamb from refrigerator. Preheat over to 450 degrees
F and lightly oil a large baking pan.
With a mortal and pestle, crush together all but 1 of
the remaining garlic cloves and remaining herbs. Remove lamb from marinade
and reserve liquids. With a sharp knife, make 3/4 inch slits all around
leg of lamb and stuff garlic and herb mixture inside slits. Reserve a small
amount of the mixture for step 4.
Rub lamb with olive oil and 1 whole garlic clove, salt,
pepper, and remaining herb mixture. Place lamb in prepared baking pan and
arrange potatoes around it, if desired. Season potatoes with salt, pepper,
and juice of remaining 2 lemons. Pour marinade over lamb. Place uncovered
in oven and reduce heat immediately to 350 degrees F. Bake for about 30
minutes per pound, or until lamb is tender and slightly rare, and potatoes,
fork tender. Baste ever 10-15 minutes with pan juice. If potatoes need
more liquid, add a little water to the pan before cooking.
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