Lamb steak

Oven-Roasted Lamb Leg with Garlic and Wine Recipe

Lamb leg is an excellent choice for festive meals or a delicious family dinner. This oven-roasted lamb leg recipe, enriched with garlic and wine flavors, is not only savory but also easy to prepare. Carefully marinated, the lamb becomes juicy and full of flavor, and the resulting sauce will turn each serving into a memorable culinary experience. Let's embark together on preparing this special dish!

Preparation Time: 20 minutes
Marinating Time: 12-24 hours
Baking Time: 1.5 - 2 hours
Total: 13 - 26 hours (including marinating)
Servings: 6-8

Ingredients:

- 1 lamb leg (approx. 1.5 - 2 kg)
- 5-6 cloves of garlic (fresh, plus 1-2 for marinade)
- 2 cups of quality red wine
- 1-2 tablespoons of tomato paste
- 1-2 tablespoons of olive oil
- 1 teaspoon of vegeta (or salt, to taste)
- Freshly ground pepper, to taste
- 1 teaspoon of curry
- 1 teaspoon of sweet paprika
- 1 teaspoon of lamb spices (available commercially)
- A few green onion stalks, finely chopped
- Green garlic, to taste
- Fresh or dried thyme
- Oregano, to taste
- Water (enough to cover the meat halfway in the pan)

Step-by-Step Instructions:

Step 1: Preparing the Marinade
Start by preparing the marinade for the lamb leg. In a large bowl, mix the red wine, olive oil, vegeta, pepper, curry, paprika, and lamb spices. This mixture will add depth of flavor to the meat.

Step 2: Preparing the Lamb Leg
Use a sharp knife to score the lamb leg in several places. These incisions will allow the marinade to penetrate the meat better. Then, stuff these scores with garlic cloves, cut in half.

Step 3: Massaging the Meat
After preparing the marinade, take the lamb leg and massage it well with the spice mixture. Make sure that every part of the meat is evenly coated.

Step 4: Marinating
Place the lamb leg in a special marinating bag or a larger container. Add the remaining crushed garlic, green onion, chopped green garlic, thyme, and oregano. Seal the bag tightly or cover the container with plastic wrap. Let the meat marinate in the refrigerator for 12-24 hours. The longer you leave it, the more flavorful it will be.

Step 5: Baking
Preheat the oven to 180°C. Remove the lamb leg from the marinade, keeping the marinade for later. Place the meat in a baking dish and add the marinade along with enough water to cover the meat halfway.

Step 6: Oven Cooking
Cover the dish with aluminum foil and leave it in the oven for about 1 hour. After this time, remove the foil and add the tomato paste, mixing well into the sauce. Continue to bake the lamb leg uncovered for an additional 30-60 minutes, basting the meat with the sauce from the pan every 15 minutes to keep it moist and flavorful.

Practical Tips:

- Choosing the Lamb: Choose a quality lamb leg, preferably from a trusted supplier. Young lamb is juicier and more tender.
- Marinade Variations: You can experiment with different types of wine – a sweeter red wine will add a different note to your dish.
- Adding Vegetables: For a complete meal, you can add vegetables such as carrots, potatoes, or zucchini to the dish; they will cook in the flavors of the sauce.

Serving and Recommendations:

The lamb leg is served hot, accompanied by sides such as mashed potatoes, grilled vegetables, or a fresh salad. A glass of red wine remains a perfect accompaniment to complete this meal.

Nutritional Information:

This oven-roasted lamb leg recipe contains essential proteins and, due to the wine and spices, is rich in antioxidants. A serving offers approximately 400-500 calories, depending on the amount of oil and wine used. Lamb is also a good source of B vitamins and minerals such as zinc and iron.

Frequently Asked Questions:

- Can I use other types of meat? Yes, you can adapt the recipe to pork or chicken, but the cooking time will vary.
- How can I thicken the sauce? If you want a thicker sauce, you can add 1-2 tablespoons of cornstarch diluted in a little water and add it to the sauce in the last 10 minutes of cooking.

Now that you have all the necessary details, all that’s left is to put on your apron and start the culinary adventure! Oven-roasted lamb leg is not only a delicious recipe but also a fulfilling experience. Enjoy your meal!