Lemon Rosemary Traybake Lamb Recipes

LEMON-ROSEMARY ROAST LEG OF LAMB

Steps:

• Trim the excess fat from the lamb, leaving a 1/4- to 1/2-inch layer of fat. Using a sharp knife, make small slits, about 1/2 inch deep and 2 to 3 inches apart, all over the surface of the lamb. Fill each slit with a slice of garlic.
• Grate the lemon zest into a small bowl (reserve the lemon). Add the rosemary, 1 tablespoon salt and 2 teaspoons pepper. Rub the mixture all over the lamb. Cover and refrigerate at least 4 hours or overnight.
• Remove the lamb from the refrigerator and bring to room temperature about 1 hour before roasting. Preheat the oven to 425˚ F. Set a rack in a roasting pan and set the lamb fat-side up on the rack. Cut the reserved lemon in half and squeeze the juice over the lamb; drizzle with the olive oil and rub all over to coat. Add the lemon halves to the pan. Roast until the fat on the lamb starts to sizzle, about 20 minutes.
• Reduce the oven temperature to 350˚ F and continue roasting the lamb until a thermometer inserted into the thickest part registers 130˚ F for medium rare to medium, 1 hour to 1 hour 15 minutes more. Remove to a cutting board and let rest 20 minutes before carving.

LEMON-ROSEMARY MARINADE FOR LAMB

Steps:

• Whisk together garlic, shallots, rosemary, oregano, oil and lemon juice, in a medium non-reactive bowl. Use marinade immediately.
• If desired, turn marinade into finishing sauce; after removing meat, pour marinade into a non-reactive saucepan, and boil for 3 minutes. Brush on cooked meat just before serving.
• Makes enough for 2 pounds of lamb.

LEG OF LAMB WITH ROSEMARY, GARLIC, AND LEMON

Steps:

• On a work surface, open lamb like a book; use the tip of a small knife, and make slits all over the lamb.
• Peel and thinly slice 4 garlic cloves; insert garlic into the slits in the lamb.
• In a food processor, combine remaining 4 garlic cloves, mustard, olive oil, wine, rosemary, and lemon juice; puree to a paste.
• Spread half the paste on the lamb, then place seasoned side down in a glass baking dish; spread with remaining paste and cover with plastic wrap.
• Marinate in the refrigerator overnight.
• Allow an hour to bring lamb back to room temperature, then sprinkle generously with salt and pepper; roll lamb and tie with kitchen twine at 1-inch intervals.
• Meanwhile, preheat oven to 375 degrees F.
• Place lamb on a rack and roast to an internal temperature of 125 degrees F, about 45 minutes.
• Let rest for 15 minutes, then slice thinly.
• Place slices overlapping on a serving platter, drizzle with pan juices, sprinkle with salt and pepper, and decorate with fresh herb stems, if desired.

ROAST LEG OF LAMB WITH LEMON, GARLIC, AND ROSEMARY

Steps:

• Place the chopped lemon, rosemary, garlic, salt, pepper, and olive oil in a food processor. A blender can also be used, if done in batches. If you have neither, finely chop all ingredients together.
• Open up the lamb and lay it flat. Spread and massage the lemon paste evenly over the inside and outside of the lamb. Place in a baking dish and cover, or in a large resealable plastic bag. Refrigerate overnight to marinate, turning occasionally.
• Preheat the oven to 450 degrees. Remove the meat from the refrigerator 30 to 60 minutes before cooking. Place the lamb on a rack in a foil-lined roasting pan or rimmed baking sheet. Place the meat in the oven and after 5 minutes, reduce the temperature to 425 degrees. Roast for 45 minutes, or until medium rare, 140 degrees on an instant read thermometer. Allow the meat to rest for 10 to 15 minutes before carving and serving.