Roasted Butterflied Leg of Lamb

4.8
(41)
39 Reviews
4 Photos

For large gatherings like Passover and Easter, this butterflied leg of lamb is the roast of choice, and arranged on a platter garnished with herbs, it makes a stunning centerpiece. Buying leg of lamb butterflied from the butcher will leave you time to socialize while it is slow-roasting without worrying about uneven cooking.

Submitted by USA WEEKEND columnist Pam Anderson
Updated on February 23, 2024
4
4
Prep Time:
15 mins
Cook Time:
1 hr 20 mins
Additional Time:
10 mins
Total Time:
1 hr 45 mins
Servings:
12
Jump to Nutrition Facts

Ingredients

  • ¼ cup olive oil

  • 8 cloves garlic, minced

  • 2 ½ teaspoons salt

  • 1 teaspoon ground black pepper

  • 2 tablespoons ground cumin

  • 1 tablespoon dried oregano

  • 1 (8-pound) leg of lamb, boned and butterflied to an even thickness, most fat removed

  • 1 lemon, juiced

  • ½ cup minced fresh parsley, cilantro, or mint

Directions

  1. Mix oil, garlic, salt, pepper, cumin, and oregano; spread paste on both sides of the lamb and let stand for an hour until meat comes to room temperature.

  2. Adjust oven rack to upper or upper-middle position (depending on lamb's thickness) and preheat broiler on high for at least 10 minutes.

  3. Place lamb, cut-side up, on a large wire rack set over a foil-lined roasting pan. Broil, moving pan so entire surface browns evenly, about 8 minutes. Turn lamb over; continue to broil until well browned on the other side, about 8 minutes longer. Turn off broiler, remove lamb from oven and let rest for 10 minutes.

  4. Preheat the oven to 325 degrees F (165 degrees C).

  5. Stick a meat thermometer into the thickest portion of the lamb; roast in the preheated oven for a total of 50 minutes to 1 hour, until thermometer registers a rosy-pink 140 degrees F (60 degrees C). Check lamb several times after 30 minutes.

  6. As soon as lamb comes out of the oven, squeeze on lemon juice and sprinkle with fresh herbs. Carve, slicing across the grain when possible. Arrange on a platter, drizzle with accumulated juices, and serve.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

336 Calories
23g Fat
2g Carbs
30g Protein
Nutrition Facts
Servings Per Recipe 12
Calories 336
% Daily Value *
Total Fat 23g 29%
Saturated Fat 8g 42%
Cholesterol 106mg 35%
Sodium 494mg 21%
Total Carbohydrate 2g 1%
Dietary Fiber 1g 3%
Total Sugars 0g
Protein 30g 59%
Vitamin C 10mg 11%
Calcium 37mg 3%
Iron 3mg 18%
Potassium 408mg 9%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

** Nutrient information is not available for all ingredients. Amount is based on available nutrient data.

(-) Information is not currently available for this nutrient. If you are following a medically restrictive diet, please consult your doctor or registered dietitian before preparing this recipe for personal consumption.

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