Marinated Leg Of Lamb

Prep: 120 min Cook: 25 min Cuisine: Mediterranean

Tender marinated leg of lamb infused with garlic, rosemary, and thyme, perfect for special occasions or family dinners with bold, savory flavors.

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Ingredients

  • 1/2 cup vegetable oil
  • juice of lemon or lime
  • sliced onion
  • 4 to 5 cloves garlic
  • 1 teaspoon rosemary
  • 1 teaspoon thyme
  • 1 bay leaf
  • salt and pepper
  • leg of lamb

Instructions

  1. Mix vegetable oil, lemon or lime juice, sliced onion, garlic, rosemary, thyme, bay leaf, salt, and pepper to make the marinade.
  2. Pour the marinade over the leg of lamb and turn the meat occasionally for about 2 hours or more to marinate.
  3. Preheat the oven to 325°F (160°C). Roast the lamb for 25 minutes per pound or until the internal temperature reaches 175°F to 180°F for well done, or 160°F to 165°F for slightly pink and very tender.
  4. Baste the lamb once or twice with the marinade during roasting.

Tips & Substitutions

For enhanced flavor, consider marinating the leg of lamb overnight. If you don't have fresh herbs, dried rosemary and thyme work well; use half the amount. For a bit of heat, add red pepper flakes to the marinade. To cut down on cooking time, you can also butterfly the leg of lamb before marinating and roasting.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the marinated leg of lamb with roasted vegetables or a fresh salad for a complete meal. It pairs beautifully with Mediterranean recipes like Faki Soupa - Lenten Navy Bean Soup. For an elegant touch, drizzle with a mint yogurt sauce or serve alongside garlic mashed potatoes for a comforting side.

Storage & Reheating

Leftover marinated leg of lamb can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, wrap the lamb in foil and place it in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) until warmed through, about 15-20 minutes. Alternatively, you can slice and microwave the lamb for quick reheating.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Marinated Leg Of Lamb contains roughly 327 calories, with 8g protein, 55g carbohydrates, and 14g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (115% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (82% of the Daily Value), and calcium (45% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and protein. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 666mg per serving (29% of the Daily Value).

327 kcal 16% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 8g 16% DV
Total Fat 13.7g 18% DV
Carbs 54.7g 20% DV
Fiber 22.8g 82% DV
Sugar 1g 2% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 666.4mg 29% DV
Potassium 870.8mg 19% DV
Cholesterol 1.6mg 1% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 255.2mcg 28% DV
Vitamin C 37.9mg 42% DV
Vitamin D 0.1mcg
Calcium 580.7mg 45% DV
Iron 20.7mg 100% DV
Diet fit High-fiber Under 400 cal

Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.

* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).

Frequently Asked Questions

How long should I marinate the leg of lamb?

Marinating the leg of lamb for at least 2 hours is recommended, but for best results, marinate overnight. This allows the flavors to penetrate the meat more deeply, resulting in a more flavorful dish.

What temperature should I cook the lamb to?

For a well-done leg of lamb, aim for an internal temperature of 175°F to 180°F. If you prefer it slightly pink and very tender, cook it to 160°F to 165°F. Use a meat thermometer for accuracy.

Can I use a different cut of meat for this recipe?

Yes, you can use other cuts like lamb shoulder or rack of lamb, though cooking times may vary. Adjust the marinating and roasting times based on the cut you choose to ensure optimal tenderness and flavor.

Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).

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