Name: Mary Berry Roast Leg of Lamb
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 1 h 45 min
Total time: 2 h
Yield: 6
Cuisine: British
Ingredients: 1.8-2kg (4-4.5 lb) leg of lamb – The star of the dish, providing tender and juicy meat.; 3-4 garlic cloves (sliced) – Infuse the lamb with deep flavor.; 2 tbsp fresh rosemary leaves – Add a fragrant, earthy note.; Salt and freshly ground black pepper – For seasoning.; 3 tbsp olive oil – Helps the lamb roast to a golden-brown finish.; Juice of 1 lemon – Adds a touch of brightness and balances the flavors.; 1 cup lamb or vegetable stock – Keeps the meat moist and enhances the flavor.; Mint sauce or fresh mint jelly – Traditional accompaniment for lamb.; Roasted potatoes – For a classic side.; Seasonal vegetables – Such as carrots, green beans, or peas.

Description

Mary Berry’s Roast Leg of Lamb is a classic British roast recipe, where the lamb is generously seasoned with fresh garlic, rosemary, and olive oil, then slow-roasted to perfection. This recipe results in tender, flavorful lamb that is delicious and served with mint sauce, roasted vegetables, and potatoes.

Ingredients

Scale

1.8–2kg (4-4.5 lb) leg of lamb – The star of the dish, providing tender and juicy meat.
3–4 garlic cloves (sliced) – Infuse the lamb with deep flavor.
2 tbsp fresh rosemary leaves – Add a fragrant, earthy note.
Salt and freshly ground black pepper – For seasoning.
3 tbsp olive oil – Helps the lamb roast to a golden-brown finish.
Juice of 1 lemon – Adds a touch of brightness and balances the flavors.
1 cup lamb or vegetable stock – Keeps the meat moist and enhances the flavor.

Optional Ingredients (for Serving)

Mint sauce or fresh mint jelly – Traditional accompaniment for lamb.
Roasted potatoes – For a classic side.
Seasonal vegetables – Such as carrots, green beans, or peas.

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).

Step 2: Prepare the Lamb

Using a sharp knife, make small incisions all over the leg of the lamb. Insert a slice of garlic and a few rosemary leaves into each incision, pressing them in to infuse the meat with flavor.

Step 3: Season the Lamb

In a small bowl, mix the olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Brush or rub this mixture all over the lamb, coating it evenly for a flavorful crust.

Step 4: Roast the Lamb

Place the lamb in a roasting pan and pour the stock around it to keep it moist. Roast in the preheated oven for approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes to 2 hours for medium-rare, or until it reaches your desired doneness. Baste the lamb occasionally with the pan juices to keep it juicy and flavorful.

Step 5: Rest the Lamb

Once the lamb has finished roasting, remove it from the oven, cover it with aluminum foil, and let it rest for 15-20 minutes. Resting allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in more tender meat.

Step 6: Carve and Serve

Carve the lamb into slices and serve it warm with mint sauce or jelly, roasted potatoes, and seasonal vegetables.