Oven-baked lamb with caramelized vegetables

Oven-baked lamb leg with caramelized vegetables – Festive Recipe

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Baking time: 1 hour
Total time: 1 hour and 20 minutes
Number of servings: 4

Easter is fast approaching, and lamb meat becomes the star of festive meals. This oven-baked lamb leg with caramelized vegetables recipe is not only delicious but also easy to prepare, with the advantage of using modern technology for a quick and efficient marinade.

A brief introduction to the art of cooking lamb

Lamb has been appreciated for centuries in various cultures, symbolizing spring and renewal. This recipe pays tribute to tradition, combining tender meat with fresh vegetables, all seasoned with herbs and spices that enhance the flavor of each ingredient. By using a Food Saver marinade container, you will benefit from a quick marinade that ensures flavors penetrate deeply into the meat.

Ingredients

For the lamb leg:
- 1 piece of bone-in lamb leg (approximately 1.5 kg)
- 100 ml dry white wine
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves of garlic (crushed)
- 1 red chili pepper (sliced)
- 1 teaspoon soy sauce
- Himalayan pink salt (to taste)
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Pepper (to taste)
- 1 teaspoon chili flakes
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- Fresh rosemary sprigs
- 2 carrots (sliced)
- 150 g cherry tomatoes (halved)

For the side dish:
- 300 g broccoli
- 2-3 young carrots (peeled and sliced)
- 1 stalk of celery (chopped)
- Zest and juice of one orange
- 1 chili pepper (optional, for extra heat)
- 50 g raisins
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
- 1 cube of butter

Instructions

1. Preparing the meat for marinating:
Wash the lamb leg under cold water and then pat it dry with a paper towel to remove excess moisture. This step is essential as it helps the marinade adhere better to the meat.

2. Marinating the meat:
In the Food Saver marinade container, add the white wine, olive oil, crushed garlic, sliced chili pepper, soy sauce, salt, paprika, pepper, chili flakes, thyme, and rosemary sprigs. Mix well to combine the flavors. Then, place the meat in the container, ensuring it is covered by the marinade.

3. Vacuum sealing the marinade:
Place the lid on the container and turn the knob to the vacuum position. Attach the Food Saver hose and start the vacuum process. Once the green light is on, move the knob to the closed position and disconnect the hose. Let the meat marinate for 30 minutes. This technique allows the meat's pores to open, allowing flavors to penetrate deeper.

4. Baking the meat:
Preheat the oven to 200 degrees Celsius. After the marinating time, transfer the lamb leg along with the marinade into a ceramic dish. Cover with aluminum foil and place in the oven for 1 hour. Every 20 minutes, baste the roast with the juices in the pan to keep it juicy.

5. Preparing the side dish:
In a pot of salted water, boil the broccoli for 3-4 minutes until slightly crunchy. Remove it and plunge it into cold water to stop the cooking process. In a pan, melt the cube of butter, add the sliced chili pepper (if using), and carrots. Add the zest and juice of the orange, salt, and pepper. Cover and let simmer for 5 minutes until the carrots are tender. Finally, add the raisins and celery, letting it simmer for another 2-3 minutes.

6. Serving:
Once the lamb leg is ready, remove it from the oven and let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing. Serve with the caramelized vegetable side dish and broccoli, sprinkled with a bit of freshly ground pepper.

Chef's tip
For an even more intense flavor, you can add some green or black olives to the side dish, which will bring a salty and savory note. Additionally, for extra texture, you might try adding roasted nuts or chopped walnuts to the caramelized vegetables.

Frequently asked questions

What type of lamb is best for this recipe?
Bone-in lamb leg provides a juicy texture and specific flavor, but you can also use boneless leg.

Can I use other vegetables?
Of course! You can add zucchini, onion, or potatoes, depending on your preferences.

How can I pair this dish with drinks?
A dry white wine or a light red pairs perfectly with this main dish. Additionally, a citrus cocktail could complement the flavors.

Nutritional benefits
Lamb is an excellent source of protein, vitamin B12, and zinc, contributing to immune system health and cell regeneration. The vegetables add fiber, essential vitamins, and minerals, making this dish balanced and nutritious.

Possible variations
If you want to customize your recipe, you can experiment with different herbs, such as mint or oregano, which provide a different and interesting note. You can also replace white wine with grape juice for a non-alcoholic version.

Now that you have all the necessary information, I invite you to get cooking! Oven-baked lamb leg with caramelized vegetables will surely become a favorite in your family. Enjoy your meal!