Description
A spectacular centerpiece featuring butterflied leg of lamb filled with aromatic herbs and garlic, roasted to perfection – ideal for holidays and special occasions!
Prep Time: 45 minutes | Cook Time: 1.5-2 hours | Rest Time: 30 minutes | Total Time: 2.5-3 hours | Servings: 8-10
Ingredients
Scale
For the Lamb:
- 1 boneless leg of lamb (4–5 pounds), butterflied
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Kitchen twine
For the Herb Filling:
- 12 cloves garlic
- 1/4 cup fresh rosemary leaves
- 1/4 cup fresh thyme leaves
- 1/2 cup fresh parsley leaves
- 2 tablespoons fresh mint leaves (optional)
- 2 teaspoons anchovy paste
- Zest of 1 lemon
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
For Roasting:
- 2 onions, quartered
- 4 carrots, cut into chunks
- 1 head garlic, halved horizontally
- 2 cups chicken or vegetable stock
- 1/2 cup dry white wine (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the filling: In a food processor, combine garlic, herbs, anchovy paste, lemon zest, and mustard. Pulse until finely chopped. With processor running, slowly add olive oil until a spreadable paste forms. Season with salt and pepper.
- Prepare the lamb: If not already butterflied, lay lamb flat and make horizontal cuts to create an even thickness throughout. Season both sides with salt and pepper.
- Stuff the lamb: Spread herb mixture evenly over the inside of the butterflied lamb, leaving a 1-inch border. Roll tightly from one long side, like a jelly roll.
- Tie the roast: Using kitchen twine, tie the rolled lamb at 1-inch intervals to secure. Season the outside with salt and pepper, then rub with olive oil.
- Prepare for roasting: Preheat oven to 450°F. Place onions, carrots, and garlic in a roasting pan. Set a rack over vegetables and place lamb on top.
- Roast: Roast at 450°F for 15 minutes to develop crust. Reduce heat to 350°F and continue roasting until internal temperature reaches 130-135°F for medium-rare (about 1.5-2 hours total).
- Baste: Every 30 minutes, baste lamb with pan juices. Add stock and wine to pan if it becomes dry.
- Rest: Remove lamb from oven and tent with foil. Let rest 20-30 minutes before slicing.
- Make gravy: Strain pan juices and vegetables, pressing to extract liquid. Skim fat and simmer to desired consistency.
- Serve: Remove twine and slice lamb into 1/2-inch rounds. Serve with pan gravy.
Notes:
- Ask your butcher to butterfly the lamb for easier preparation
- The herb filling can be made 2 days ahead
- For best results, bring lamb to room temperature before roasting
- Save any leftover herb filling to mix with butter for bread
Storage Tips:
Store leftover lamb in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. The uncooked stuffed lamb can be prepared up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerated until ready to roast.