Leg of Lamb with Garlic and Rosemary

A classic roasted leg of lamb seasoned with a fragrant paste of garlic, rosemary, and sea salt. This impressive main dish is perfect for special occasions and serves up tender, flavorful meat with rich pan juices.

8 servings
2 hr 40 min

Ingredients

  • 1 whole semi-boneless leg of lamb
  • 4 cloves garlic cloves
  • 1 tablespoon fine sea salt
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh rosemary
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • ¼ cup dry red wine or beef broth

Cooking Instructions

  1. 1.

    Pat lamb dry and score fat by making shallow cuts all over with tip of a sharp small knife.

    5 min

  2. 2.

    Pound garlic to a paste with sea salt using a mortar and pestle (or mince and mash with a heavy knife) and stir together with rosemary and pepper. Put lamb in a lightly oiled roasting pan, then rub paste all over lamb. Let stand at room temperature 30 minutes.

    35 min

  3. 3.

    Preheat oven to 350°F.

    10 min

  4. 4.

    Roast lamb in middle of oven until an instant-read thermometer inserted 2 inches into thickest part of meat (do not touch bone) registers 130°F, 1 1/2 to 1 3/4 hours. Transfer to a cutting board and let stand 15 to 25 minutes (internal temperature will rise to about 140°F for medium-rare).

    105 min

  5. 5.

    Add wine to pan and deglaze by boiling over moderately high heat, stirring and scraping up brown bits, 1 minute. Season pan juices with salt and pepper and serve with lamb.

    5 min