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–+ servings
Rosemary Garlic Leg of Lamb for Thanksgiving

Rosemary Garlic Leg of Lamb for Thanksgiving

This Rosemary Garlic Leg of Lamb is the perfect centerpiece for your Thanksgiving feast. It's incredibly flavorful, tender, and surprisingly easy to prepare.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour 40 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 55 minutes
Servings: 8
Calories: 500

Ingredients
  

  • 5 pound boneless leg of lamb
  • 6 cloves garlic grated
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons fresh rosemary minced
  • 1 tablespoon fresh mint minced
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper cracked
  • 5 heads garlic optional
  • 4 sprigs fresh rosemary optional

Equipment

  • roasting dish
  • cast iron skillet
  • Small Bowl
  • Meat thermometer
  • Cutting board
  • foil

Method
 

Preheat & Prep
  1. Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C). Select a sturdy roasting dish or a well-seasoned cast iron skillet large enough to hold the leg of lamb.
Prepare the Herb Rub
  1. In a small bowl, combine the grated garlic, olive oil, minced fresh rosemary, minced fresh mint, kosher salt, and cracked black pepper. Mix thoroughly until a cohesive paste forms.
Apply the Rub
  1. Generously rub the herb mixture all over the boneless leg of lamb, ensuring all sides are coated. If using the optional whole heads of garlic and rosemary sprigs, tuck them around the lamb in the roasting dish.
Roast to Perfection
  1. Place the prepared leg of lamb into the preheated oven. Roast for approximately 20 minutes per pound for medium-rare. For a 5-pound roast, this equates to about 100 minutes of cooking time.
Achieving Doneness
  1. For precise results, use a meat thermometer. Aim for an internal temperature of 135-140°F (57-60°C) for medium-rare after resting.
Crucial Resting Period
  1. Once removed from the oven, transfer the lamb to a cutting board and let it rest, loosely tented with foil, for 15-20 minutes before slicing. This step is vital for a juicy roast.

Nutrition

Calories: 500kcalCarbohydrates: 5gProtein: 50gFat: 30gSaturated Fat: 10gCholesterol: 150mgSodium: 400mgPotassium: 600mgFiber: 1gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 10IUVitamin C: 5mgCalcium: 10mgIron: 2mg

Notes

Allow the leg of lamb to sit at room temperature for about 30-60 minutes before roasting for more even cooking. Always use a reliable meat thermometer. Resting the lamb is non-negotiable for a tender, juicy outcome. Feel free to add lemon zest to the herb rub for a brighter flavor, or incorporate other complementary herbs like thyme. For an even deeper flavor, consider marinating the lamb in a mixture of olive oil, garlic, rosemary, and lemon juice for 2-4 hours (or overnight) before applying the final rub.
Nutrition information is estimated based on common ingredients and serving sizes and may vary.

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