Jamie Oliver’s Slow Cooked Lamb Leg is a show-stopping, tender dish perfect for family gatherings or a special Sunday meal. This recipe involves slow roasting a seasoned lamb leg until it’s melt-in-the-mouth tender, with flavors that develop beautifully over time. The result is a succulent lamb that’s easy to shred and serve, paired perfectly with roasted vegetables or potatoes.

Why This Recipe Is a Must-Try

Tender and Juicy: Slow cooking makes the lamb incredibly tender.
Rich, Deep Flavors: Herbs and garlic infuse the lamb for maximum flavor.
Hands-Off Cooking: Minimal effort, with the oven doing most of the work.
Perfect for Entertaining: Ideal for a special occasion or holiday meal.
Versatile Side Options: Pairs well with potatoes, salads, or roasted veggies.

What is Jamie Oliver’s Slow Cooked Lamb Leg?

Jamie Oliver’s Slow Cooked Lamb Leg is a dish where the lamb is seasoned and roasted low and slow, allowing it to become tender and infused with aromatic herbs and spices. This recipe results in a flavorful lamb that’s easy to pull apart and is perfect for serving with classic sides.

Ingredients for Jamie Oliver’s Slow Cooked Lamb Leg

1 leg of lamb (about 2-2.5 kg)
Salt and pepper to taste
4 garlic cloves, sliced
2 tablespoons fresh rosemary, chopped (or 1 tablespoon dried rosemary)
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 lemon, zested and juiced
1 cup chicken or vegetable broth
Optional: 1 large onion, sliced, and 2 carrots, cut into chunks (for extra flavor and a built-in side)

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Step-by-Step Instructions to Prepare Jamie Oliver’s Slow Cooked Lamb Leg

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 150°C (300°F).

Step 2: Season the Lamb

Pat the lamb dry with paper towels. Use a sharp knife to make small incisions all over the lamb leg. Insert a slice of garlic and a sprig of rosemary into each incision, pressing them into the meat.

Step 3: Rub the Lamb

In a small bowl, mix the olive oil, lemon zest, lemon juice, and chopped rosemary. Rub this mixture all over the lamb, ensuring it’s well coated. Season generously with salt and pepper.

Step 4: Prepare the Roasting Pan

Place the sliced onions and carrots (if using) in the bottom of a roasting pan. Place the lamb leg on top of the vegetables, and pour the chicken or vegetable broth into the pan. This will help keep the lamb moist during cooking.

Step 5: Slow Cook the Lamb

Cover the roasting pan tightly with foil or a lid. Place the pan in the preheated oven and cook for 4-5 hours, or until the lamb is tender and easily pulls apart with a fork.

Step 6: Finish and Serve

Remove the foil for the last 30 minutes of cooking to allow the lamb to brown slightly. Once done, let the lamb rest for about 10 minutes before shredding or slicing. Serve with your favorite sides, such as potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a fresh salad.

What to Serve with Jamie Oliver’s Slow Cooked Lamb Leg

Roasted Potatoes: Crispy potatoes are a classic side for lamb.
Steamed Vegetables: Green beans, carrots, or peas add color and balance.
Mint Sauce: A fresh mint sauce pairs well with the richness of the lamb.
Garlic Bread: Perfect for soaking up any pan juices.
Gravy: Use the pan juices to make a rich, flavorful gravy.

Expert Tips for Mastering Jamie Oliver’s Slow Cooked Lamb Leg

Choose Bone-In for Extra Flavor: A bone-in lamb leg adds flavor and richness.
Low and Slow: Cooking at a low temperature ensures the lamb becomes tender.
Rest Before Serving: Letting the lamb rest helps keep it juicy.
Add Veggies: Including onions, carrots, or potatoes in the pan enhances the flavor and provides a built-in side dish.
Use Fresh Herbs: Fresh rosemary and garlic infuse a more robust flavor.

Variations of Jamie Oliver’s Slow Cooked Lamb Leg

Herb-Crusted Lamb: Add thyme, oregano, or parsley to the rub for a more herbaceous flavor.
Spicy Lamb: Rub the lamb with a pinch of chili flakes or smoked paprika for a hint of heat.
Red Wine Lamb: Add a splash of red wine to the roasting pan for a deeper sauce.
Garlic and Lemon Lamb: Add extra garlic cloves and a whole sliced lemon for a brighter, zestier flavor.
Mediterranean-Style Lamb: Rub the lamb with olive oil, rosemary, thyme, and a hint of cinnamon for a Mediterranean twist.

How to Store Leftover Jamie Oliver’s Slow Cooked Lamb Leg

Store leftover lamb in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven or stovetop to maintain tenderness.

How to Freeze Jamie Oliver’s Slow Cooked Lamb Leg

Allow the lamb to cool completely, then shred and transfer it to a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.

Nutrition Value (Per Serving)

Calories: 320 kcal
Protein: 30g
Fat: 20g
Carbohydrates: 5g
Fiber: 1g

FAQs

Can I cook Jamie Oliver’s slow-cooked lamb leg in a slow cooker?

Yes, you can cook this lamb leg in a slow cooker. Prepare the lamb as directed, then place it in the slow cooker with the vegetables and broth. Cook on low for 8 hours or on high for 4-5 hours until the lamb is tender and pulls apart easily.

How do I keep slow-cooked lamb leg moist?

To keep the lamb moist, cover it tightly with foil or a lid during cooking, and add a bit of broth to the roasting pan. Slow cooking at a low temperature also helps retain moisture and tenderness.

Can I make this slow-cooked lamb leg ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare and cook the lamb in advance. Store it in the refrigerator, then reheat it gently in the oven at 150°C (300°F) until warmed through. Adding a bit of broth to the pan will keep it moist.

What cut of lamb works best for this recipe?

A bone-in leg of lamb is ideal for this recipe, as it provides extra flavor and becomes tender with slow cooking. However, you can also use a boneless leg of lamb if preferred.

Final Words

Jamie Oliver’s Slow Cooked Lamb Leg is a wonderfully rich and tender dish, perfect for special occasions or family meals. The slow-cooking process results in lamb that melts in your mouth, infused with garlic and rosemary flavors. Serve with classic sides like roasted potatoes or a fresh salad, and enjoy a dish that’s both impressive and deeply comforting!