Introduction
Easter is a time for family, friends, and delicious food. And nothing says Easter quite like a succulent leg of lamb. If you’re looking for a show-stopping main course that’s sure to impress your guests, then you’ve come to the right place. In this article, we’re going to share with you two mouth-watering leg of lamb Easter recipes that are easy to make and guaranteed to be a hit at your Easter feast.
Recipe 1: Slow-Roasted Leg of Lamb with Garlic and Rosemary
Ingredients
- 1 leg of lamb, bone-in (5-6 pounds)
- 6 cloves of garlic, peeled and minced
- 1/4 cup fresh rosemary, chopped
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 300°F.
- In a small bowl, mix together the minced garlic, chopped rosemary, olive oil, salt, and pepper.
- Using a sharp knife, make several small incisions all over the leg of lamb.
- Rub the garlic and rosemary mixture all over the lamb, making sure to get it into the incisions.
- Place the lamb in a roasting pan and roast for 4-5 hours, or until the internal temperature reaches 145°F for medium-rare or 160°F for medium.
- Remove the lamb from the oven and let it rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing and serving.
Nutritional Information
- Calories: 458
- Protein: 47g
- Fat: 27g
- Carbohydrates: 1g
- Fiber: 0g
Cooking Time
4-5 hours
Equipment
Roasting pan, sharp knife
Serving Suggestions
Serve with roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a fresh salad.
Variations
Instead of garlic and rosemary, try using a mixture of lemon zest, thyme, and Dijon mustard for a tangy twist on this classic dish.
Substitutions
If you don’t have a bone-in leg of lamb, you can use a boneless one instead. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly.
Storage
Store any leftover lamb in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Tips
Make sure to let the lamb rest before slicing it. This allows the juices to redistribute and makes for a more tender and flavorful meat.
Notes
For best results, use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the lamb.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use lamb chops instead of a leg of lamb? You can, but the cooking time will be much shorter. Aim for about 20-30 minutes in a 400°F oven. What should I serve with this dish? Roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a fresh salad are all great options.
Recipe 2: Grilled Leg of Lamb with Mint Pesto
Ingredients
- 1 leg of lamb, boneless (4-5 pounds)
- 1/2 cup fresh mint leaves, packed
- 1/2 cup fresh parsley leaves, packed
- 1/4 cup pine nuts, toasted
- 2 cloves of garlic, peeled
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.
- In a food processor, pulse together the mint, parsley, pine nuts, garlic, Parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper until a paste forms.
- While the food processor is running, slowly pour in the olive oil until the pesto is smooth and creamy.
- Season the lamb with salt and pepper and place it on the grill.
- Cook the lamb for 10-12 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 145°F for medium-rare or 160°F for medium.
- Remove the lamb from the grill and let it rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing.
- Top the lamb with the mint pesto and serve.
Nutritional Information
- Calories: 408
- Protein: 55g
- Fat: 17g
- Carbohydrates: 3g
- Fiber: 1g
Cooking Time
20-25 minutes
Equipment
Grill, food processor
Serving Suggestions
Serve with grilled vegetables, couscous, or a fresh green salad.
Variations
Instead of mint pesto, try using a spicy harissa sauce for a North African twist on this dish.
Substitutions
If you don’t have a grill, you can use a grill pan or broil the lamb in the oven.
Storage
Store any leftover lamb in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Tips
Make sure to let the lamb rest before slicing it. This allows the juices to redistribute and makes for a more tender and flavorful meat.
Notes
For best results, use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the lamb.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use lamb chops instead of a leg of lamb? You can, but the cooking time will be much shorter. Aim for about 3-4 minutes per side on a hot grill. What should I serve with this dish? Grilled vegetables, couscous, or a fresh green salad are all great options.
Conclusion
There you have it, two delicious leg of lamb Easter recipes that are sure to impress your guests. Whether you prefer slow-roasted with garlic and rosemary or grilled with mint pesto, these dishes are guaranteed to be a hit at your Easter feast. So why not give them a try and see for yourself? Your taste buds will thank you!