Greek cuisine is known for its rich flavors and use of fresh ingredients. One dish that stands out in Greek cuisine is the leg of lamb, which is often served at celebrations and special occasions. This flavorful and tender meat is the star of the table and is sure to impress your guests. With this easy-to-follow recipe, you can recreate the authentic Greek-style leg of lamb in the comfort of your own home.
Preparing the Leg of Lamb
Cut and Trim
To start, you will need a boneless leg of lamb, preferably around 4-5 pounds. Begin by carefully trimming off any excess fat from the meat. This will prevent the lamb from becoming too greasy and ensure that the flavors are not overpowered.
Marinate
Next, it's time to marinate the lamb. In a bowl, mix together
olive oil,
lemon juice,
garlic,
rosemary, and
oregano. These ingredients will not only add flavor to the lamb but also help to tenderize the meat. Make sure to coat the lamb evenly with the marinade and let it sit for at least an hour, or overnight for best results.
Preheat and Season
Preheat your oven to
375°F. While the oven is heating up, take the marinated lamb out of the refrigerator and let it come to room temperature. This will ensure that the lamb cooks evenly. Season the lamb with
salt and
pepper on both sides.
Cooking the Leg of Lamb
Roast in the Oven
Place the seasoned leg of lamb on a rack in a roasting pan. This will allow the heat to circulate around the lamb, ensuring that it cooks evenly. Roast the lamb in the oven for approximately
1 hour and 30 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches
145°F for medium-rare. Remember to baste the lamb with the marinade every 30 minutes for extra flavor.
Let it Rest
Once the lamb is cooked, take it out of the oven and let it rest for
15-20 minutes before carving. This will allow the juices to redistribute, resulting in a tender and juicy leg of lamb.
Serving the Greek-Style Leg of Lamb
Slice and Serve
After resting, slice the lamb against the grain into thin pieces. Serve it with your choice of sides, such as
roasted potatoes and
steamed vegetables. This Greek-style leg of lamb is also delicious when served with a side of
tatziki sauce or a
fresh Greek salad.
Leftovers
If you have any leftovers, you can use the sliced lamb to make delicious sandwiches or wraps. The flavors will continue to develop, making the leftovers even more flavorful the next day.
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Greek cuisine is known for its rich flavors and use of fresh ingredients. One dish that stands out in Greek cuisine is the leg of lamb, which is often served at celebrations and special occasions. This flavorful and tender meat is the star of the table and is sure to impress your guests. With this easy-to-follow recipe, you can recreate the authentic Greek-style leg of lamb in the comfort of your own home.
Preparing the Leg of Lamb
Cut and Trim
To start, you will need a boneless leg of lamb, preferably around 4-5 pounds. Begin by carefully trimming off any excess fat from the meat. This will prevent the lamb from becoming too greasy and ensure that the flavors are not overpowered.
Marinate
Next, it's time to marinate the lamb. In a bowl, mix together olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, rosemary, and oregano. These ingredients will not only add flavor to the lamb but also help to tenderize the meat. Make sure to coat the lamb evenly with the marinade and let it sit for at least an hour, or overnight for best results.
Preheat and Season
Preheat your oven to 375°F. While the oven is heating up, take the marinated lamb out of the refrigerator and let it come to room temperature. This will ensure that the lamb cooks evenly. Season the lamb with salt and pepper on both sides.
Cooking the Leg of Lamb
Roast in the Oven
Place the seasoned leg of lamb on a rack in a roasting pan. This will allow the heat to circulate around the lamb, ensuring that it cooks evenly. Roast the lamb in the oven for approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 145°F for medium-rare. Remember to baste the lamb with the marinade every 30 minutes for extra flavor.
Let it Rest
Once the lamb is cooked, take it out of the oven and let it rest for 15-20 minutes before carving. This will allow the juices to redistribute, resulting in a tender and juicy leg of lamb.
Serving the Greek-Style Leg of Lamb
Slice and Serve
After resting, slice the lamb against the grain into thin pieces. Serve it with your choice of sides, such as roasted potatoes and steamed vegetables. This Greek-style leg of lamb is also delicious when served with a side of tatziki sauce or a fresh Greek salad.
Leftovers
If you have any leftovers, you can use the sliced lamb to make delicious sandwiches or wraps. The flavors will continue to develop, making the leftovers even more flavorful the next day.