Roasted Lamb with Fresh Mint Sauce

Ingredients

• 1 leg of lamb (2 kg / 4.4 lbs) 1 leg of lamb (2 kg / 4.4 lbs)
• 4 cloves of garlic, minced 4 cloves of garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons fresh rosemary, chopped 2 tablespoons fresh rosemary, chopped
• 2 tablespoons fresh thyme, chopped 2 tablespoons fresh thyme, chopped
• 2 tablespoons olive oil 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt and pepper, to taste Salt and pepper, to taste
• For the Mint Sauce: For the Mint Sauce:
• 1 cup fresh mint leaves, finely chopped 1 cup fresh mint leaves, finely chopped
• 2 tablespoons sugar 2 tablespoons sugar
• 1/4 cup white vinegar 1/4 cup white vinegar
• 1/4 cup water 1/4 cup water
• Salt, to taste Salt, to taste

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 400 kcal / 1674 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 20g, 7g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 2g, 1g
• Protein: 50g
• Fiber: 0g
• Salt: 1g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F).
2. 2.
   In a small bowl, combine the minced garlic, chopped rosemary, chopped thyme, olive oil, salt, and pepper.
3. 3.
   Rub the mixture all over the leg of lamb, ensuring it is evenly coated.
4. 4.
   Place the lamb on a roasting rack in a roasting pan and roast in the preheated oven for approximately 20 minutes per pound for medium-rare, or until the desired level of doneness is reached.
5. 5.
   While the lamb is roasting, prepare the mint sauce. In a saucepan, combine the chopped mint leaves, sugar, white vinegar, water, and a pinch of salt. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 5 minutes. Remove from heat and let it cool.
6. 6.
   Once the lamb is cooked to your liking, remove it from the oven and let it rest for 15 minutes before carving.
7. 7.
   Serve the roasted lamb with the mint sauce on the side.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Mint leaves — Make sure to use fresh mint leaves for the sauce as they provide a vibrant flavor. Avoid using dried mint leaves as they won't have the same freshness.

Tips & Tricks

• For a more intense flavor, marinate the lamb overnight in the herb and spice mixture before roasting.
• Use a meat thermometer to ensure the lamb is cooked to your desired level of doneness.
• If you prefer a smoother mint sauce, you can blend the ingredients together instead of chopping the mint leaves.

Serving advice

Serve the Roasted Lamb with Fresh Mint Sauce as the centerpiece of a festive dinner. Accompany it with roasted potatoes, steamed vegetables, and a side of mint jelly for a complete and satisfying meal.

Presentation advice

Place the carved lamb on a platter, garnished with sprigs of fresh rosemary and mint leaves. Serve the mint sauce in a small bowl on the side, allowing guests to drizzle it over their portions of lamb.