Herb-Crusted Roast Leg of Lamb with Mint Pesto

Name: Herb-Crusted Roast Leg of Lamb with Mint Pesto
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 1 h 45 min
Total time: 2 h
Yield: 8 servings
Ingredients: 5 lb leg of lamb; 1 tbsp olive oil; 2 tsp salt; 1 tsp black pepper; 4 cloves garlic, minced; 2 tbsp fresh rosemary, chopped; 1 tbsp fresh thyme, chopped; 1 cup fresh mint leaves; 1/2 cup pine nuts; 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 1/4 cup olive oil; 1 tbsp lemon juice; 1/4 tsp salt; 1/4 tsp black pepper

🕒 Prep: 15 min

🔥 Cook: 1 hour 45 min

🍽 Serves: 8

★★★★★

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If you're looking to impress with a show-stopping centerpiece for your next dinner, this Herb-Crusted Roast Leg of Lamb with Mint Pesto is just the ticket. It's a perfect blend of aromatic herbs and succulent lamb, elevated by a fresh mint pesto that will have your guests coming back for seconds.

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Ingredients for Herb-Crusted Roast Leg of Lamb with Mint Pesto

The star of the show is the leg of lamb. It's rich and flavorful, making it ideal for roasting. A good rub of olive oil, salt, and black pepper helps to start building flavor and ensures a crispy, golden crust. Fresh herbs like rosemary and thyme infuse the meat with earthy aromas, while garlic adds a savory depth.

For the mint pesto, fresh mint leaves are the hero, bringing a zingy freshness. Pine nuts offer a creamy, nutty touch, complemented by the umami of Parmesan cheese. A bit more olive oil and a splash of lemon juice balance everything out, with a final touch of salt and pepper to taste.

Tips & Tricks

Let the lamb sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before roasting for even cooking.
If you don't have a roasting rack, use a bed of roughly chopped carrots and onions instead.
Don't rush the resting process; it's key to a juicy roast.

Serving Suggestions

This lamb pairs wonderfully with roasted potatoes or a light, crisp salad. A side of steamed green beans or asparagus tossed in butter and lemon zest complements the flavors beautifully. A nice, full-bodied red wine like a Cabernet Sauvignon would round out the meal perfectly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use dried herbs instead of fresh?: Yes, but use half the amount as dried herbs are more concentrated in flavor.
How do I know when the lamb is done?: Using a meat thermometer, check for an internal temperature of 145°F for medium-rare.
Can I make the pesto ahead of time?: Absolutely! You can prepare it a day in advance and store it in the fridge.

Herb-Crusted Roast Leg of Lamb with Mint Pesto Recipe Walkthrough

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). While it warms up, take your leg of lamb and give it a good rub down with a tablespoon of olive oil, a couple of teaspoons of salt, and a teaspoon of black pepper. This initial seasoning is crucial for flavor.

Next, mix together your minced garlic, chopped rosemary, and thyme. Using your hands, press this herb-garlic mixture all over the lamb, ensuring it adheres well to the surface. Place your seasoned lamb on a roasting rack set inside a baking pan. This setup allows the heat to circulate evenly around the meat.

Slide the lamb into the oven and roast it for about 1 hour and 45 minutes. You're aiming for an internal temperature of 145°F for medium-rare, so a meat thermometer will be your best friend here.

While the lamb is roasting, make your mint pesto. In a blender or food processor, combine the mint leaves, pine nuts, Parmesan cheese, olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Blend until smooth, scraping down the sides as necessary to incorporate everything evenly.

Once the lamb reaches the desired temperature, take it out of the oven and let it rest for 15 minutes. This resting period is crucial as it allows the juices to redistribute, making the meat juicy and tender. Finally, slice the lamb and serve with a generous spoonful of mint pesto on top.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

The herb crust gives the lamb a beautiful, fragrant finish.
Mint pesto adds a refreshing twist that's both vibrant and flavorful.
Perfect for special occasions yet surprisingly simple to prepare.
Minimal ingredients, maximum impact.

Ingredients

5 lb leg of lamb

1 tbsp olive oil

2 tsp salt

1 tsp black pepper

4 cloves garlic, minced

2 tbsp fresh rosemary, chopped

1 tbsp fresh thyme, chopped

1 cup fresh mint leaves

1/2 cup pine nuts

1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

1/4 cup olive oil

1 tbsp lemon juice

1/4 tsp salt

1/4 tsp black pepper

Step-by-step Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).

2. Rub the leg of lamb with 1 tbsp olive oil, salt, and pepper.

3. Mix garlic, rosemary, and thyme, rub the mixture over the lamb.

4. Place the lamb on a roasting rack in a baking pan.

5. Roast in the oven for approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes, or until internal temperature reaches 145°F for medium-rare.

6. While the lamb roasts, prepare the mint pesto by blending mint leaves, pine nuts, Parmesan cheese, olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper until smooth.