Lamb steak

Oven-Roasted Aromatic Lamb Roast

Total preparation time: 1 hour and 10 minutes
Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 50 minutes
Number of servings: 4-6

Every year, lamb roast becomes the star of festive meals, bringing with it a rich culinary tradition, full of flavors and aromas. This oven-roasted lamb recipe is simple but delivers spectacular results. The intense taste of lamb, combined with the fresh flavors of herbs and a splash of wine, will turn every meal into a true celebration! Let's discover together how to achieve the perfect lamb roast.

Ingredients:
- 1 kg lamb meat (the leg is ideal, but you can also use the shoulder)
- 1 bunch of fresh lovage
- 1 bunch of fresh parsley
- 150 ml olive oil (or vegetable oil)
- 300 ml red wine (choose a quality one that you enjoy drinking)
- 1 lemon (juice and zest)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 head of garlic (about 8-10 cloves)
- 100 g smoked bacon (for added flavor)
- Vegetable-flavored Delikat (optional, for enhancing flavors)

Preparing the meat:
1. Wash and prepare the meat: Start by washing the lamb meat well under a stream of cold water, then let it drain. This will remove impurities and make the roast cleaner.

2. Larding the meat: Peel the garlic cloves and slice the smoked bacon thinly. Use a sharp knife to make small incisions in the meat, where you will insert the bacon slices and a clove of garlic. This technique will not only add flavor but also keep the meat juicy.

3. Preparing the herbs: Finely chop the lovage and parsley. If you prefer a more rustic texture, you can leave the herbs chopped coarser. This will add a more natural look and a stronger aroma.

Marinade and seasoning:
4. Creating the marinade: In a large tray, add the olive oil, chopped herbs, salt, pepper, and Delikat. Mix well to combine all the ingredients. This marinade will infuse the meat with delicious flavors during baking.

5. Marinating the meat: Place the lamb in the tray and roll it in the marinade, ensuring it is well coated. Squeeze the lemon juice over the meat and place the lemon zest on top. The acidity of the lemon juice will help tenderize the meat.

Baking:
6. Preheating the oven: Preheat the oven to 190 degrees Celsius. Meanwhile, let the meat absorb the flavors from the marinade.

7. Actual baking: Place the tray with the meat in the oven and let it bake for 50 minutes. It is important to turn the meat halfway through to ensure it browns evenly. By the end, the meat should have a golden and appetizing crust.

8. Adding the wine: 10 minutes before finishing baking, add the red wine to the tray. This will add a deep flavor and create a delicious sauce. Make sure the wine partially covers the meat so it doesn’t dry out.

Serving:
9. Finalizing the dish: Once the roast is ready, take it out of the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing. This step is essential as it allows the juices to redistribute within the meat.

10. Serving: Remove the herbs from the tray before serving. Slice the meat and arrange it on a platter. The lamb roast pairs perfectly with mashed potatoes, grilled vegetables, or even a fresh salad. You can also accompany the dish with a glass of red wine to complete the tasting experience.

Practical tips:
- Choosing the meat: Opt for fresh lamb meat, with a light pink color and firm texture. Younger lamb has more tender meat, so if you have the chance, choose it.
- Variations: You can experiment with other herbs, such as thyme or rosemary, to add different flavors. You can also add vegetables like carrots or potatoes to the tray, which will bake together with the meat.
- Storing leftovers: If you have leftover meat, it can be used the next day in sandwiches or salads.

Nutritional information:
Lamb meat is an excellent source of protein and contains essential vitamins and minerals such as vitamin B12, zinc, and iron. It is also a healthier alternative to pork, having a lower saturated fat content.

Frequently asked questions:
- Can I use frozen lamb meat? Yes, make sure to fully thaw it before preparing to achieve the best results.
- How do I know when the meat is done? Use a meat thermometer; the internal temperature should be around 70 degrees Celsius to be considered well-cooked.
- What other recipes can I make with lamb? Lamb is also great for making stews, kebabs, or even soups.

Lamb roast is more than just a dish; it is a culinary experience that brings people together. Regardless of the occasion, this recipe will surely impress everyone. Enjoy your meal!