Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Leg of lamb with a herb crust is a timeless dish that is both elegant and deeply flavorful. The tender, juicy meat is complemented by a fragrant blend of fresh herbs, garlic, and seasonings, creating a crispy and aromatic crust. This dish is perfect for special occasions, holiday feasts, or even an indulgent weekend dinner. With its combination of simplicity and gourmet appeal, this recipe is sure to impress your family and guests alike.
Ingredients
- Leg of lamb
- Fresh rosemary
- Fresh thyme
- Fresh parsley
- Garlic cloves
- Dijon mustard
- Olive oil
- Bread crumbs
- Salt
- Black pepper
- Lemon zest
Directions
- Prepare the Lamb: Remove the leg of lamb from the refrigerator and allow it to reach room temperature for about 30 minutes. This ensures even cooking.
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Prepare the Herb Crust: Finely chop the fresh rosemary, thyme, and parsley. Mince the garlic cloves and combine them with the chopped herbs, bread crumbs, lemon zest, salt, and black pepper in a bowl. Add a drizzle of olive oil and mix until a paste-like consistency forms.
- Coat the Lamb: Pat the leg of lamb dry with paper towels. Rub the entire surface with Dijon mustard, ensuring a thin, even layer. Press the herb mixture onto the mustard-coated lamb, ensuring the entire surface is covered.
- Roast the Lamb: Place the lamb on a roasting rack inside a baking dish. Transfer it to the preheated oven and roast for about 1.5 to 2 hours, or until the internal temperature reaches your desired doneness (135°F/57°C for medium-rare, 145°F/63°C for medium).
- Rest Before Serving: Remove the lamb from the oven and let it rest for 15-20 minutes before slicing. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring a tender and juicy bite.
- Slice and Serve: Carve the lamb into thin slices and serve with your favorite side dishes, such as roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a fresh salad.
Variations
- Garlic Butter Crust: Add softened butter to the herb mixture for an even richer crust.
- Spiced Crust: Include ground cumin, coriander, and smoked paprika for a more robust flavor.
- Nutty Crust: Mix finely chopped pistachios or almonds into the herb crust for added texture and a nutty taste.
- Wine Infusion: Deglaze the roasting pan with red wine and reduce it into a flavorful sauce to drizzle over the lamb.
Servings and Timing
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 5 minutes
- Servings: 6-8
Storage/Reheating
- Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: Wrap slices tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil before freezing for up to 2 months.
- Reheating: Warm in a 300°F (150°C) oven for about 15 minutes or until heated through. Avoid microwaving, as it can dry out the meat.
FAQs
How do I know when the lamb is done?
Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. Medium-rare is 135°F (57°C), medium is 145°F (63°C), and well-done is 160°F (71°C).
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes! You can coat the lamb with the herb crust a few hours before cooking and keep it refrigerated until ready to roast.
What sides go well with this dish?
Roasted potatoes, grilled asparagus, green beans, or a fresh salad are excellent choices.
Can I use dried herbs instead of fresh ones?
Yes, but fresh herbs provide a more vibrant flavor. If using dried, reduce the quantity by half.
Should I cover the lamb while roasting?
No, leaving it uncovered allows the herb crust to crisp up beautifully.
How can I make the lamb more tender?
Marinate the lamb overnight with olive oil, lemon juice, and herbs for extra tenderness.
Can I cook this in a slow cooker?
Yes, but the crust may not get as crispy. Roast it in the oven for 10-15 minutes at 400°F (200°C) after slow cooking for a nice finish.
What wine pairs well with this dish?
A full-bodied red wine such as Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot complements the rich flavors of the lamb.
Can I use a boneless leg of lamb?
Yes, but adjust the cooking time as boneless lamb tends to cook faster.
What do I do with leftovers?
Use leftover lamb in sandwiches, wraps, or salads for a delicious next-day meal.
Conclusion
Leg of lamb with a herb crust is a show-stopping dish that brings bold flavors and tender meat to your table. Whether you serve it for a holiday gathering or a special weekend dinner, this recipe is sure to impress. Try it today and enjoy a perfectly seasoned, juicy, and aromatic lamb roast!
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Leg of Lamb with a Herb Crust: Juicy and Aromatic!
- Total Time: 2 hours 5 minutes
- Yield: 6–8 servings 1x
Description
This leg of lamb with a herb crust is a flavorful and elegant dish, featuring a juicy roast coated in fresh rosemary, thyme, parsley, garlic, and Dijon mustard. Perfect for holiday feasts or an indulgent dinner, this recipe ensures a crispy crust and tender meat every time.
Ingredients
- Leg of lamb (bone-in or boneless)
- 2 tbsp fresh rosemary, finely chopped
- 2 tbsp fresh thyme, finely chopped
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, finely chopped
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- ½ cup bread crumbs
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp lemon zest
Instructions
- Prepare the Lamb – Let the lamb sit at room temperature for 30 minutes.
- Preheat Oven – Set the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Make Herb Crust – Mix rosemary, thyme, parsley, minced garlic, bread crumbs, lemon zest, salt, and black pepper. Drizzle with olive oil and mix until it forms a paste.
- Coat the Lamb – Pat dry the lamb, spread Dijon mustard evenly, then press the herb mixture onto the surface.
- Roast – Place the lamb on a roasting rack inside a baking dish and roast for 1.5 to 2 hours, until internal temperature reaches:
- Medium-rare: 135°F (57°C)
- Medium: 145°F (63°C)
- Rest – Let the lamb rest for 15-20 minutes before slicing.
- Serve – Carve into thin slices and enjoy with roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a fresh salad.
Notes
- Garlic Butter Crust: Add softened butter for a richer taste.
- Spiced Crust: Mix in cumin, coriander, and smoked paprika.
- Nutty Crust: Add chopped pistachios or almonds for crunch.
- Wine Sauce: Deglaze the pan with red wine for a flavorful drizzle.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Keywords: Leg of lamb recipe, herb-crusted lamb, roasted lamb, holiday lamb roast, lamb with Dijon crust.
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