Simply Roasted Lamb with Mint Gremolata
Prep: 15 minutes plus standing
Broil/Roast: 1 hour 25 minutes • Serves: 8
Lamb
3 tablespoons olive oil
1-1/2 teaspoons kosher salt
1-1/2 teaspoons freshly ground black pepper
6 garlic cloves, minced
2 tablespoons chopped fresh Italian flat-leaf parsley leaves
Mint Gremolata
1/4 cup finely chopped fresh mint leaves
2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh Italian flat-leaf parsley leaves
2 tablespoons lemon zest
1.Prepare Lamb: Position oven rack to 5 inches from source of heat; preheat broiler. Place rack in large roasting pan; place lamb on rack. Rub all sides of lamb with oil; evenly sprinkle with salt and pepper. Broil lamb 4 to 5 minutes or until top is browned; turn lamb and broil 4 to 5 minutes longer or until top is browned. Remove lamb from oven.
2.Preheat oven to 325°; position oven rack to middle position. Turn lamb; rub top with garlic and parsley. Loosely tent lamb with aluminum foil; roast lamb 1 hour 15 minutes or until internal temperature reaches 135° for medium-rare. Transfer lamb to cutting board; cover loosely with aluminum foil and let stand 15 minutes before slicing (internal temperature will rise to 145° upon standing).
3.Meanwhile, prepare Mint Gremolata: In small bowl, stir together all ingredients. Makes about 1/2 cup.
4.Slice lamb and serve with gremolata.
Approximate nutritional values per serving:
445 Calories, 26g Fat (12g Saturated), 141mg Cholesterol,
468mg Sodium, 2g Carbohydrates, 1g Fiber, 43g Protein
Cooking Clues
For faster, more even cooking, let lamb stand at room temperature 1 hour before preparing. Broiling the lamb prior to roasting creates a nice, golden brown sear on the outside.
Dietitian’s tip:
> A leg of lamb is a naturally tender cut of meat that doesn’t need any marinade. In fact, marinating this cut could actually make it tough. Stick with a simple seasoning like in the recipe. Once cooked to your desired doneness, let rest and always cut against the grain to get the most tender slices.
