How to Make Chef John's Roasted Leg of Lamb - A Step-by-Step Guide

There are few dishes more impressive and delicious than a perfectly roasted leg of lamb. The tender, succulent meat, seasoned with aromatic herbs and spices and roasted to perfection, is a show-stopper on any dinner table. Chef John's Roasted Leg of Lamb is a classic recipe that highlights the natural flavors of this incredible cut of meat, and with just a few simple ingredients and a little bit of patience, you can create a dish that will have your guests coming back for more.

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Ingredients

  • ¼ cup pomegranate molasses
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon chopped fresh rosemary
  • 1 tablespoon kosher salt
  • 2 teaspoons freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon Aleppo pepper
  • 1 teaspoon dried mint
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 (5 pound) boneless leg of lamb, butterflied
  • kitchen twine
  • salt to taste
  • 1 tablespoon pomegranate molasses, or as needed

Information

  • Prep Time: 20 mins
  • Cook Time: 1 hr 45 mins
  • Additional Time: 8 hrs 15 mins
  • Total Time: 10 hrs 20 mins
  • Servings: 8

  • Stir together 1/4 cup pomegranate molasses, garlic, rosemary, salt, black pepper, Aleppo pepper, mint, and cumin in a bowl until combined. Set aside.
  • Lay lamb, fatty-side up, on a work surface. Cut 2 deep slashes in each fleshy end. Flip lamb and cut 10 to 20 shallow slashes across the surface of the fat.
  • Spread 3/4 of the pomegranate molasses mixture over the flesh-side of lamb. Fold meat together and place into a large bowl. Spread remaining pomegranate molasses mixture over the fatty-side of lamb. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 8 hours to overnight.
  • Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Place a roasting rack in the bottom of a roasting pan.
  • Remove lamb from marinade and discard excess marinade. Place lamb, fatty-side up, on a work surface. Tie the center section of lamb with kitchen twine to cinch roast together. Repeat ties four times along the length of roast.
  • Season lamb with salt and place on the roasting rack in the prepared pan. Pour water below the rack to cover the bottom of the pan.
  • Roast in the preheated oven until hot and slightly pink in the center, about 1 hour 45 minutes. An instant-read thermometer inserted into the center should read at least 135 degrees F (57 degrees C). Rest lamb for 15 minutes, then transfer to a plate and brush with remaining 1 tablespoon pomegranate molasses.
  • Nutrition

    344 cal.

    • Total Fat: 21g
    • Saturated Fat: 9g
    • Cholesterol: 115mg
    • Sodium: 824mg
    • Total Carbohydrate: 6g
    • Dietary Fiber: 0g
    • Total Sugars: 5g
    • Protein: 32g
    • Vitamin C: 2mg
    • Calcium: 25mg
    • Iron: 3mg
    • Potassium: 421mg