Garlic and Herb Leg of Lamb with Potatoes: The Perfect Centerpiece for an Elegant Dinner

Garlic and Herb Leg of Lamb with Potatoes: The Perfect Centerpiece for an Elegant Dinner

If you’re looking for a meal that is both impressive and comforting, this Garlic and Herb Leg of Lamb with Potatoes is the ultimate choice. Perfectly seasoned with a fragrant blend of garlic, rosemary, and thyme, this leg of lamb is roasted to tender perfection alongside crispy, golden baby potatoes.

Whether you’re preparing a holiday feast, hosting a dinner party, or treating your family to a special meal, this recipe delivers flavor, elegance, and simplicity in every bite.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. One-Pan Simplicity: Everything roasts together, making cleanup a breeze.
2. Rich Flavors: Garlic, fresh herbs, and olive oil infuse the lamb and potatoes with incredible depth.
3. Customizable: Add carrots, parsnips, or other vegetables to the roasting pan for a complete meal.
4. Perfect for Special Occasions: This dish is stunning and delicious, ideal for Easter, Christmas, or family gatherings.

The History of Roast Lamb

Roast lamb has long been a centerpiece for celebratory meals across many cultures. In Mediterranean cuisine, lamb is a traditional dish served during Easter and other holidays, symbolizing renewal and abundance.

This recipe draws inspiration from these traditions, incorporating rosemary, thyme, garlic, and olive oil for a Mediterranean flavor profile that pairs beautifully with roasted potatoes.

Step-by-Step Guide to Garlic and Herb Leg of Lamb with Potatoes

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Lamb:

• 1 leg of lamb (4-5 lbs), bone-in or boneless
• 6 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup fresh rosemary, chopped
• 1/4 cup fresh thyme, chopped
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• Juice of 1 lemon
• Salt and pepper, to taste

For the Potatoes:

• 2 lbs baby potatoes, halved
• 1 large onion, quartered
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• Salt and pepper, to taste

For Garnish:

• Fresh parsley, chopped

Step 1: Prepare the Marinade

In a small bowl, mix the minced garlic, rosemary, thyme, olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper to form a fragrant marinade.

Step 2: Marinate the Lamb

1. Rub the marinade generously all over the leg of lamb, ensuring even coverage.
2. Allow the lamb to marinate for at least 1 hour at room temperature, or refrigerate it for up to 24 hours for a deeper infusion of flavors. If refrigerated, bring the lamb to room temperature before roasting.

Step 3: Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Potatoes

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a large roasting pan, toss the halved potatoes and onion quarters with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Spread them evenly across the pan.

Step 4: Roast the Lamb and Potatoes

1. Place the lamb on top of the potatoes in the roasting pan.
2. Roast for 1-1.5 hours, or about 20 minutes per pound, until the lamb reaches your desired level of doneness:
   • 135°F (57°C) for medium-rare
   • 145°F (63°C) for medium
3. Stir the potatoes halfway through cooking to ensure even browning.

Step 5: Rest and Serve

1. Once the lamb is cooked, remove it from the oven and loosely cover it with foil. Allow it to rest for 15-20 minutes to let the juices redistribute.
2. Slice the lamb and serve with the roasted potatoes and onions. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and flavor.

Tips for Success

1. Use a Meat Thermometer: To ensure perfect doneness, use an instant-read thermometer to check the internal temperature of the lamb.
2. Let it Rest: Resting the lamb after roasting ensures that it remains juicy and tender.
3. Customize the Veggies: Add carrots, parsnips, or brussels sprouts to the roasting pan for added variety.
4. Save the Drippings: Use the flavorful drippings from the pan to make a quick gravy by whisking them with a little flour and stock.

Why This Recipe is Perfect for Any Occasion

This Garlic and Herb Leg of Lamb with Potatoes is a show-stopping dish that balances elegance with simplicity. The tender, juicy lamb pairs beautifully with the crispy, golden potatoes, creating a meal that feels both luxurious and comforting.

It’s perfect for holidays like Easter and Christmas but is also simple enough to prepare for an elevated Sunday dinner. The best part? The one-pan preparation ensures minimal cleanup, so you can spend more time enjoying the meal with your loved ones.

Garlic and Herb Leg of Lamb with Potatoes

A savory roasted leg of lamb marinated with garlic and fresh herbs, served alongside crispy, golde

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Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 1 hour hr 20 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr 38 minutes mins

Cuisine American

Servings 7

Ingredients

  

• For the Lamb:
• 1 leg of lamb 4-5 lbs
• 6 cloves garlic minced
• 1/4 cup fresh rosemary chopped
• 1/4 cup fresh thyme chopped
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• Juice of 1 lemon
• Salt and pepper to taste
• For the Potatoes:
• 2 lbs baby potatoes halved
• 1 large onion quartered
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• For Garnish:
• Fresh parsley chopped

Instructions

 

• Prepare the Marinade
• Mix garlic, rosemary, thyme, olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
• Marinate the Lamb
• Rub the marinade all over the lamb and let it sit for 1 hour or refrigerate overnight.
• Preheat Oven and Prep Potatoes
• Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) and toss potatoes and onions with olive oil, salt, and pepper.
• Roast
• Place the lamb over the potatoes and roast for 1-1.5 hours, until it reaches the desired doneness.
• Rest and Serve
• Let the lamb rest for 15-20 minutes, then slice and serve with potatoes. Garnish with parsley.