Oven-roasted lamb with rosemary, honey, and new potatoes

Oven-roasted lamb with rosemary, honey, and new potatoes

I present to you a delicious and impressive recipe, perfect for a special dinner or to celebrate a special occasion. The oven-roasted lamb with rosemary and honey, accompanied by new potatoes, is a dish that harmoniously combines flavors and textures, bringing a touch of elegance to your table. Come discover how simple ingredients transform into something truly special!

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Baking time: 1 hour and 15 minutes
Total time: 1 hour and 30 minutes
Number of servings: 4

A brief history of the recipe

Lamb dishes have a long-standing tradition, often associated with holidays and festive meals. Lamb is appreciated for its tender and juicy meat, and the combination with honey and rosemary adds a sweet-bitter note that is simply irresistible. This recipe blends culinary traditions with modern cooking techniques, making every meal an unforgettable moment.

Ingredients

- 2 green onions, finely chopped
- 4 tablespoons sherry (a fortified wine)
- 2 tablespoons lemon-flavored olive oil
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 4 sprigs of rosemary, broken into smaller pieces
- Sea salt with herbs
- 1 lamb leg (about 700 g)
- 500 g new red potatoes

Details about the ingredients

- Lamb: Choose a fresh, high-quality leg of lamb. Young lamb has more tender and juicy meat, ideal for roasting.
- Green onion: Provides a mild flavor and crunchy texture, bringing a pleasant contrast to the lamb.
- Sherry: This fortified wine adds depth of flavor to the dish. If you don't have sherry, you can use a dry white wine.
- Rosemary: This aromatic herb is a perfect partner for meat, having antioxidant properties and an unmistakable fragrance.
- Honey: Contributes to the caramelization of the meat and offers a sweet taste, balancing the savory flavors.
- New potatoes: These are sweeter and juicier, perfect for accompanying the lamb.

Cooking technique

1. Preparing the oven: Start by preheating the oven to 200°C. This is the ideal temperature to achieve a beautiful crust on the lamb and to roast the potatoes evenly.

2. Preparing the base: In a heat-resistant dish, place the chopped green onions. This will add flavor and prevent the meat from sticking to the dish. Add the 4 tablespoons of sherry, which will help create a delicious sauce during baking.

3. Preparing the lamb: In a bowl, rub the leg of lamb with 1 tablespoon of olive oil and 1 tablespoon of honey. This combination will make the meat juicy and flavorful. Then, poke it with the rosemary sprigs to let the flavors penetrate.

4. Seasoning: Sprinkle sea salt with herbs over the leg of lamb, ensuring it is well covered. Place the leg in the dish with the onions and sherry.

5. Preparing the potatoes: Wash the new potatoes well and cut them in half if they are larger. In a separate bowl, mix them with the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil and a generous portion of sea salt with herbs. Arrange them around the leg of lamb in the heat-resistant dish.

6. Baking: Place the dish in the preheated oven and let it bake for 1 hour and 15 minutes. The lamb will become tender, and the potatoes will brown nicely.

7. Resting the meat: After the baking time is over, remove the dish from the oven and cover it with aluminum foil. Let it rest for 20 minutes. This step is crucial as it allows the juices from the meat to redistribute, making the lamb even juicier.

Serving

To serve, slice the leg of lamb and arrange it alongside the browned potatoes on the plate. You can add a drizzle of sauce from the baking dish for extra flavor. A fresh salad or grilled vegetables will perfectly complement this dish.

Serving suggestions

Oven-roasted lamb with rosemary, honey, and new potatoes pairs wonderfully with a light red wine or a dry white wine like Sauvignon Blanc. Additionally, a craft blonde beer can provide a pleasant contrast to the intense flavors of the lamb.

Possible variations

- Lemon lamb: You can add lemon slices to the baking dish for a tangy note.
- Lamb with vegetables: Instead of potatoes, you can use carrots, zucchini, or celery, thus adding even more vegetables to the dish.
- Spiced lamb: Experiment with spices like cumin or coriander to give an exotic flavor.

Nutritional benefits

Lamb meat is an excellent source of protein, B vitamins, and essential minerals such as zinc and iron. New potatoes are rich in fiber and antioxidants, contributing to a healthy diet.

Frequently asked questions

1. Can I use another type of meat?
Yes, you can substitute lamb with pork or chicken. The baking time may vary, so make sure to check the internal temperature of the meat.

2. How do I know when the lamb is done?
Use a meat thermometer. The ideal internal temperature for cooked lamb is about 70°C.

3. Can I prepare this dish in advance?
You can prepare the lamb and potatoes a few hours before serving. You can reheat them in the oven before presenting them at the table.

Personal note

This recipe reminds me of family meals where laughter and stories mingled with the delicious aromas from the kitchen. Every bite brings back memories of beautiful moments spent with loved ones. I encourage you to share this recipe with your dear ones, thus creating unforgettable memories around the table.

I invite you to let the aromas of this dish carry you away and to try it with confidence. Surely, the oven-roasted lamb with rosemary, honey, and new potatoes will become a favorite in your kitchen! Enjoy your meal!