Grilled Leg of Lamb with Ancho Chile Marinade

A flavorful grilled leg of lamb marinated in a rich blend of ancho chile, white wine, and herbs. The meat is tenderized overnight in a zesty marinade featuring garlic, oregano, and lemon juice, then grilled to perfection and finished with a fresh herb garnish.

8 servings
13 hr 2 min

Ingredients

  • ½ cup dry white wine
  • ¼ cup extra-virgin olive oil
  • 8 cloves garlic cloves
  • 4 tablespoons fresh oregano leaves
  • 3 tablespoons ancho chile powder
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
  • 2 whole green onions
  • 1 tablespoon dark brown sugar
  • teaspoons coarse kosher salt
  • teaspoons freshly ground black pepper
  • pounds boneless leg of lamb
  • 1 preparation opened flat like a book
  • pounds trimmed weight

Cooking Instructions

  1. 1.

    Combine wine, oil, garlic, 3 tablespoons oregano, ancho chile powder, lemon juice, 1 green onion, sugar, salt, and pepper in blender. Blend mixture until smooth. Transfer marinade to 13 x 9 x 2-inch glass baking dish. Add lamb and turn to coat evenly. Cover dish tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight.

    720 min

  2. 2.

    Prepare barbecue (medium heat). Grill lamb with some of marinade still clinging to surface until lamb is cooked to desired doneness, 15 to 16 minutes per side for medium-rare (130°F). Transfer lamb to carving board. Let lamb rest 15 minutes.

    47 min

  3. 3.

    Meanwhile, finely chop remaining green onion and 1 tablespoon oregano leaves; combine in small bowl.

    5 min

  4. 4.

    Thinly slice lamb across grain. Arrange lamb slices on platter. Pour over any accumulated juices. Sprinkle with onion-oregano mixture and serve.

    10 min

  5. 5.

    * Available in the spice section of many supermarkets and at Latin markets.

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