Rain Or Shine Leg Of Lamb Food

EASY ROAST LEG OF LAMB

Steps:

• Heat the oven to 220C/200C fan/gas 7. Remove all packaging from the lamb and keep a note of the weight to calculate the roasting time. Make incisions into the lamb using a small sharp knife, at an angle, about 5cm into the meat. Making the holes at an angle will mean more of the meat is flavoured, and the flavourings will be less tempted to be pushed out when roasting.
• Insert a short sprig of rosemary, a garlic slice and a small piece of anchovy (if using) into each of the holes, pressing in well with your finger. Season the meat all over with salt and pepper, then rub the lamb all over with the olive oil. Transfer to a roasting tin, sat on the onion slices. Roast for 20 mins.
• Lower the oven to 190C/170C fan/gas 5 and cook for another 15-20 mins per 500g (1 hr - 1 hr 20 mins for 2kg leg) depending on how pink you like your lamb. You can also check the internal temperature of the lamb if you prefer pinker meat - it will be 55C for medium (pink) and 70C for well done.
• Cover with foil and rest for 15 mins before carving. Save the tray juices and onion slices to make gravy.

SEARED LAMB WITH A SMOKY SLATHER

Steps:

• Combine tea, cumin, salt, pepper, garlic, thyme leaves and olive oil, and mix well. Place lamb in a dish and rub half the tea mixture on one side. Turn it over and slather the second side. If possible, set aside at room temperature up to 3 hours.
• Heat oven to 450 degrees. Place turnips and potatoes in a saucepan of salted water, bring to a simmer and cook until tender, 15 to 20 minutes.
• As turnips and potatoes cook, place a large, heavy, ovenproof skillet, preferably cast iron, on the stove over high heat for 2 to 3 minutes. Place lamb in pan and sear until browned on the bottom, 1 1/2 to 2 minutes. Turn lamb and place pan in the oven. Roast for 12 to 15 minutes. An instant-read thermometer inserted in a thick part of the meat should register 120 degrees for medium-rare.
• Remove lamb to a cutting board. Place skillet back on stove. Drain turnips and potatoes, place in skillet and briefly roll them in the pan drippings to pick up some color. Transfer them to a bowl, cover and keep warm; your turned-off oven comes in handy here.
• Add wine to skillet and cook on medium, scraping the pan, until it's somewhat reduced. Whisk in butter, season with salt and pepper and turn off heat. Slice lamb and arrange on a large platter. Spoon turnips and potatoes around it. Briefly reheat the sauce, spoon it over the meat, drop a few sprigs of thyme on top and serve.

ROAST LEG OF LAMB WITH DARK BEER, HONEY AND THYME

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 375 degrees F. Open the leg of lamb and season the inside with half the garlic, half the thyme leaves, 1 tablespoon olive oil, salt, and pepper.
• Tie the lamb closed with string. Place it in a roasting pan, season with salt and pepper, and brush it with olive oil.
• In a bowl mix the beer, honey, remaining garlic and thyme, juniper berries, and bay leaves. Pour this over the lamb and put the roasting pan into oven.
• Immediately turn the oven down to 325 degrees F. Baste every 10 minutes. Cook 12 to 13 minutes per pound for medium rare or until internal temperature reaches 145 degrees F.
• Remove the roast from the oven, and cover it loosely with foil and allow it to rest for about 10 minutes before carving. Serve with pan drippings.