Step 1: Preparing the Lamb
Start by choosing a good-quality leg of lamb. If you’re unsure, ask your butcher for recommendations on the best cut for roasting. The leg should weigh between 7 and 9 pounds for optimal cooking. Once you have your lamb, it’s time to prepare it.
The first step in preparing the lamb is to trim any excess fat. Lamb tends to be fatty, but you don’t want too much fat on the surface. Ask your butcher to clean it up for you if needed, but don’t overdo it. The fat will contribute to the flavor and moisture during roasting.
Once the lamb is cleaned, use a sharp knife to make small slits all over the meat. These slits are where you’ll insert garlic slivers. The garlic will not only add incredible flavor but will also help the marinade penetrate the lamb, making it extra tender.
Step 2: Garlic and Lemon Marinade
The star of the Greek-style marinade is garlic and lemon. As you slice the garlic, be generous with the amount you insert into the slits. The more garlic, the better! Once the garlic is in place, it’s time to coat the lamb with a tangy lemon marinade. Pour about 1/3 cup of fresh lemon juice over the lamb, ensuring that the juice gets into the slits and all over the surface. The acidity from the lemon helps balance the richness of the lamb and enhances the overall flavor.
Drizzle a small amount of olive oil (around 2-3 tablespoons) over the lamb. You don’t need much, as lamb is already a fatty cut of meat. Then, season with salt and dried Greek oregano. Make sure to coat the lamb evenly, using your hands to massage the seasoning into the meat. This helps the flavors absorb into the lamb, ensuring every bite is full of flavor.
Step 3: Adding Aromatics
Fresh rosemary sprigs are another essential element of Greek-style lamb. Simply cut the rosemary into smaller pieces and place them around the lamb. The fragrance of rosemary complements the lamb beautifully and adds an herbal note to the dish. Don’t forget to add a pinch of freshly cracked black pepper to bring everything together.
For added flavor, place some quartered red onions around the lamb. The onions will roast alongside the lamb, adding sweetness and flavor that will be absorbed into the meat as it cooks.
Cooking the Lamb: The Slow-Roasting Method
Step 4: Slow Roasting for Tenderness
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Now that your lamb is seasoned and ready, it’s time to roast it. Place the lamb in a large roasting pan. Before covering it, add a small amount of water (about 1 cup) to the bottom of the pan. This will create steam and help cook the lamb evenly.
Cover the lamb with parchment paper, followed by a layer of aluminum foil. This creates a sealed environment that ensures the lamb cooks slowly and becomes incredibly tender. Roast the lamb for about 3 to 4 hours, checking for doneness at the 3-hour mark. The lamb should be fork-tender and easily pull apart.
Step 5: Crispy Finish
Once the lamb is cooked through and tender, it’s time to add a little crispiness to the exterior. Turn on your oven’s broiler for the last 5 minutes of cooking. This will help brown the top of the lamb and give it a nice, crispy finish without drying out the meat. Keep a close eye on it to avoid over-browning or burning.
Side Dish: Lemony Roasted Potatoes
While the lamb is roasting, you can prepare a classic Greek side dish: lemony roasted potatoes. These potatoes are the perfect complement to the lamb, with their tangy lemon flavor and crispy edges.
Step 6: Preparing the Potatoes
Peel and quarter 4 to 5 russet potatoes, and place them on a large sheet pan. Drizzle olive oil and fresh lemon juice over the potatoes, then season with salt, pepper, and dried oregano. Toss everything together until the potatoes are well-coated with the seasoning.
For an extra kick, sprinkle a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes on top. Add a small amount of water to the bottom of the pan (about 1/4 cup) to help them cook evenly. Roast the potatoes in the oven alongside the lamb for about 1 hour and 20 minutes, or until they are fork-tender and golden brown.
Final Touches: Serving Your Feast
Once the lamb is perfectly roasted and the potatoes are tender, it’s time to serve. Carve the lamb into generous slices and arrange it on a serving platter. The juices from the lamb and the roasted onions will create a flavorful sauce that you can drizzle over the meat.
Serve the lamb alongside the lemony roasted potatoes. To complete the Greek feast, consider adding some classic Mediterranean sides like spanakopita (spinach pie), tzatziki (yogurt cucumber dip), and a fresh Mediterranean rice pilaf.
A Taste of Tradition
This Greek-style roast leg of lamb recipe is more than just a meal—it’s a tradition that brings family and friends together. The combination of garlic, lemon, oregano, and rosemary creates a harmonious flavor that brings out the best in the lamb, while the slow roasting method ensures the meat is tender and juicy. The roasted potatoes are the perfect side dish to complement the lamb, offering a tangy contrast to the richness of the meat.
Whether you’re preparing it for Easter or any other special occasion, this roast lamb will surely become a favorite in your household. So, gather your loved ones, set the table, and enjoy a feast that brings the warmth and flavors of Greece to your home.
Tips for the Perfect Greek Roast Lamb
- Garlic Lovers: Don’t be shy with the garlic! The more slivers, the better. It infuses the lamb with incredible flavor as it roasts.
- Rest the Lamb: After taking the lamb out of the oven, let it rest for about 10 minutes before slicing. This allows the juices to redistribute, making for a juicier roast.
- Make Ahead: You can prepare the lamb and potatoes a few hours in advance. Just reheat everything before serving for a stress-free meal.
Conclusion
The Greek-style roast leg of lamb is a classic dish that will elevate any celebration, especially Easter. With its rich flavors, tender meat, and delicious sides, it’s sure to become a new tradition in your household. Whether you’re new to Greek cuisine or already a fan, this recipe is guaranteed to deliver a memorable and mouthwatering experience. So, get cooking, invite your family and friends, and enjoy a feast filled with love, laughter, and, of course, delicious food!
Preparation: How to Create a Flavorful Greek Roast Lamb
Description
This tender and flavorful Greek-style roast leg of lamb is infused with garlic, lemon, oregano, and rosemary. It’s slow-roasted to perfection, ensuring a melt-in-your-mouth texture, and is the perfect centerpiece for any holiday feast, especially Easter. Served with lemony roasted potatoes, this dish offers a traditional Greek experience that’s sure to impress your guests.
Pin this recipe to share with your friends and followers.
