Jamie Oliver Leg of Lamb Recipe

Jamie Oliver’s Leg of Lamb is a perfect recipe for a tender, flavorful roast that’s great for Sunday dinners, holidays, or any special occasion. With simple ingredients and minimal prep, this dish delivers perfectly cooked lamb with a crispy exterior and juicy, tender meat inside. The herbs, garlic, and olive oil enhance the natural flavors of the lamb, making it a delicious and crowd-pleasing meal.

Why This Recipe is a Must-Try

• Simple and easy: Requires only a few ingredients and minimal prep time.
• Perfect for special occasions: Ideal for family gatherings or festive meals.
• Tender and juicy: Slow-roasting makes the lamb tender and full of flavor.
• Minimal hands-on time: Once in the oven, the lamb requires little attention, allowing you to focus on side dishes or other preparations.
• Customizable: You can add different herbs or spices based on your preferences.

What is Jamie Oliver’s Leg of Lamb?

Jamie Oliver’s Leg of Lamb is a straightforward roast lamb recipe that involves seasoning the lamb with garlic, rosemary, and olive oil before slowly roasting it to perfection. It’s an easy and foolproof way to cook a succulent leg of lamb with a crispy, flavorful crust.

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Jamie Oliver Leg of Lamb Recipe Ingredients

• 1 leg of lamb (about 2kg)
• 4 garlic cloves (sliced)
• 1 bunch of fresh rosemary
• Olive oil
• Salt and pepper
• 1 lemon (optional, for zesting)
• Vegetables for roasting (optional, such as carrots, potatoes, and onions)

Step-by-Step Instructions to Prepare Jamie Olive Leg of Lamb

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).

Step 2: Prepare the Lamb

Pat the leg of the lamb dry with paper towels. Using a sharp knife, make small incisions all over the lamb and insert a slice of garlic and a small sprig of rosemary into each incision. This infuses the meat with flavor as it roasts.

Step 3: Season the Lamb

Rub the leg of lamb with olive oil, then season generously with salt and pepper. For extra flavor, zest a lemon over the lamb and rub it into the meat.

Step 4: Roast the Lamb

Place the lamb in a roasting tin. If you’re adding vegetables, arrange them around the lamb. Roast the lamb in the preheated oven for about 1 hour and 30 minutes for medium-rare, or adjust the time to your desired doneness (refer to the doneness guide below). Baste the lamb occasionally with its own juices during roasting to keep it moist.

Step 5: Rest the Lamb

Once the lamb is cooked to your liking, remove it from the oven and let it rest for 15-20 minutes, covered loosely with foil. Resting allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring the meat stays juicy when sliced.

Step 6: Carve and Serve

After the lamb has rested, carve it into slices and serve with your choice of sides, such as roasted vegetables or potatoes.

Doneness Guide for Roast Lamb

• Rare: 20 minutes per 500g at 180°C (350°F)
• Medium: 25 minutes per 500g at 180°C (350°F)
• Well Done: 30 minutes per 500g at 180°C (350°F)

What to Serve with Jamie Oliver’s Leg of Lamb

• Roast Potatoes: Crispy roast potatoes are a classic side dish for lamb.
• Vegetables: Roasted carrots, parsnips, or green beans make great accompaniments.
• Mint Sauce: A traditional mint sauce or chimichurri adds a fresh, zesty contrast to the rich lamb.
• Gravy: Serve with a simple lamb gravy made from the pan juices for extra flavor.

Expert Tips for Mastering Jamie Oliver’s Leg of Lamb

• Let the lamb come to room temperature: Before roasting, let the lamb sit out for about 30 minutes to ensure even cooking.
• Use a meat thermometer: For perfect doneness, use a meat thermometer. The internal temperature should be around 60°C (140°F) for medium-rare.
• Rest the lamb: Resting is essential to lock in the juices, so don’t skip this step.
• Baste for extra flavor: Basting the lamb with its own juices a few times during cooking helps keep it moist and flavorful.
• Cook vegetables alongside Roasting vegetables alongside the lamb in the same tray allows them to absorb the lamb’s juices, enhancing their flavor.

Variations of Jamie Oliver’s Leg of Lamb

• Herb-Crusted Lamb: Add thyme, parsley, and breadcrumbs to the garlic and rosemary for a flavorful herb crust.
• Spicy Lamb: Rub the lamb with a mixture of cumin, coriander, and paprika for a spicier twist.
• Lemon and Mint Lamb: Add fresh mint and lemon zest to the garlic and rosemary for a bright, refreshing flavor.
• Slow Cooked Lamb: For extra tenderness, cook the lamb at a lower temperature (150°C/300°F) for 3-4 hours.

How to Store Leftover Jamie Oliver Leg of Lamb

• Refrigeration: Store any leftover lamb in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: Freeze leftover lamb for up to 3 months. Slice the lamb and freeze in portions for easy reheating.
• Reheating: Reheat in the oven at 160°C (325°F) until warmed through, or microwave individual portions for quicker reheating.

Nutrition Value (per serving)

• Calories: 350 kcal
• Protein: 30g
• Carbohydrates: 2g
• Fat: 25g
• Fiber: 1g

FAQs

How long should I cook a leg of lamb?

A leg of lamb should be cooked for about 20-30 minutes per 500g at 180°C (350°F), depending on your preferred doneness. For medium-rare, roast for about 1 hour and 30 minutes for a 2kg lamb.

Should I cover a leg of lamb with foil while roasting?

No, you don’t need to cover the leg of lamb with foil while roasting. Roasting uncovered allows the exterior to become golden and crispy. However, let the lamb rest under foil after cooking to retain moisture.

How do I make lamb more tender?

To make lamb more tender, let it rest after roasting for about 15-20 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, keeping it juicy and tender when sliced.

Can I prepare a leg of lamb the day before?

Yes, you can prepare leg of lamb the day before by seasoning it with herbs and garlic. Cover and refrigerate it overnight to allow the flavors to infuse, then roast it fresh the next day.

Final Words

Jamie Oliver’s Easy Leg of Lamb is a simple yet impressive dish that’s perfect for special occasions or Sunday roasts. With minimal ingredients and easy preparation, this recipe delivers tender, flavorful lamb that pairs perfectly with a variety of sides. Whether you’re cooking for family or guests, this roast leg of lamb is sure to impress.

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