Roast Lamb

Oven-Roasted Lamb – The Perfect Roast for Special Occasions

Who doesn't love the aroma of a slowly cooked lamb roast, infused with spices that tantalize the senses? This oven-roasted lamb recipe is not just a delicious way to prepare a meal, but also an opportunity to gather family and friends around the table. With a combination of simple ingredients and easy-to-follow techniques, you'll create a savory dish that will impress anyone. Let's see how you can prepare this delicacy!

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 1 hour
Total time: 1 hour and 20 minutes
Servings: 4-6

Ingredients:

- 1 leg of lamb (approximately 1.5 kg)
- 2 heads of garlic
- 1 cup of red wine (choose a quality wine, as it will affect the flavor)
- 2-3 tablespoons of oil (olive oil is ideal)
- 1 onion (preferably white or yellow)
- 1 tablespoon of sweet paprika
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
- 1 teaspoon of dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon of dried basil
- 4-5 medium-sized potatoes
- 1 lemon (peeled)

Preparation:

1. Preparing the meat: Start by deboning the leg of lamb if you haven't bought it already deboned. This is a useful technique to obtain uniform pieces that cook evenly. If you're not comfortable with deboning, you can ask your butcher for help.

2. Marinating: In a bowl, mix all the spices: paprika, salt, pepper, thyme, and basil. Add the crushed garlic and olive oil. Rub this mixture all over the surface of the leg of lamb, ensuring every part is well coated. This marinade will add deep flavor to the meat.

3. Preparing the vegetables: Slice the onion thinly and quarter the potatoes. These will serve as both a side dish and a flavorful base for the meat. In a baking dish, lay the onion and potatoes to create a bed for the marinated leg of lamb.

4. Adding liquids: Slice the lemon and place the slices over the vegetables. Pour in the cup of red wine and a cup of water. These liquids will help maintain moisture during cooking and create a delicious sauce.

5. Roasting: Preheat the oven to 160°C (320°F). Place the dish in the preheated oven and let it roast for one hour. It's important not to increase the temperature, as slow cooking allows the meat to become tender and juicy.

6. Adding mushrooms: If you have them on hand, you can add 3-4 mushrooms (champignon or any other preference) in the last 30 minutes of roasting for an extra flavor boost.

7. Serving: After an hour, check if the lamb is cooked (the meat should be tender and juicy). Remove the dish from the oven and let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing the meat. This step is essential to allow the juices to redistribute within the meat.

8. Sides: Serve the sliced lamb alongside the roasted potatoes and, if desired, add a fresh green salad to balance the meal. A sauce made from the juices left in the dish will add wonderful flavor to the plate.

Helpful tips:

- Choosing the wine: Pick a quality red wine that you enjoy drinking. The wine's flavor will intensify during cooking, so don't use a wine you wouldn't drink.
- Marinating: If you have time, let the leg of lamb marinate for a few hours or even overnight in the fridge. This will enhance the flavors.
- Variations: You can also add other vegetables to the oven, such as carrots or celery, to diversify the dish.

Nutritional information (per serving):

- Calories: approximately 450 kcal
- Protein: 35 g
- Fat: 25 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g

This oven-roasted lamb recipe is not just a meal, but a culinary experience that brings people together. Share this dish with your loved ones and you'll create unforgettable memories. It can be served alongside a good red wine or even a craft beer, which will perfectly complement the flavors of the food.

Frequently Asked Questions:

1. Can I use frozen lamb?
Yes, but make sure to fully thaw it before marinating and roasting.

2. What other spices can I use?
You can experiment with rosemary, dill, or even chili pepper, depending on your preferences.

3. How can I store leftovers?
Leftovers can be stored in the fridge in an airtight container for 2-3 days. You can reheat the lamb in the oven or microwave.

Now it's time to get cooking! We wish you happy cooking and bon appétit!