The Perfect Roast Leg of Lamb with Mint Sauce Recipe for Sunday

Succulent roast leg of lamb with mint sauce brings memories of Sunday dinners back to life.

Each slice carries deep, rustic flavors that transport you directly to countryside kitchens.

Mediterranean shepherds perfected this classic recipe centuries ago.

Tender meat becomes a canvas for aromatic herbs and delicate seasonings.

Rosemary and garlic whisper stories of pastoral landscapes across generations.

Crisp edges promise a delightful contrast to the juicy interior.

Experience this timeless dish that connects you with culinary traditions passed down through generations.

Roast Leg Of Lamb With Mint That’s Sunday-Ready

• Perfect for Special Occasions: Elevate your dinner party or holiday meal with this elegant yet simple roast lamb recipe that impresses guests without complex techniques.
• Quick Preparation Time: From start to finish, you'll spend under 2 hours creating a restaurant-quality dish that looks and tastes professionally prepared.
• Family-Friendly Flavor Profile: Kids and adults alike will enjoy the classic combination of tender lamb with bright, refreshing mint sauce – a crowd-pleasing meal that satisfies diverse taste preferences.
• Minimal Ingredient Complexity: Using just a few fresh ingredients like rosemary, garlic, and mint, this recipe proves gourmet cooking doesn't require complicated or hard-to-find components.

Roast Leg of Lamb with Mint Sauce Mix

• Leg of Lamb: A tender cut perfect for roasting, with rich flavor and soft texture. Best when fresh and high-quality from a trusted butcher.

• Rosemary, Garlic, Coarse Salt, Lemon Zest: Classic Mediterranean seasoning mix that adds depth and aroma to the lamb. Fresh herbs provide the most intense flavor.
• Olive Oil: Helps create a smooth marinade and aids in even roasting.

• Mint Leaves: Provides a fresh, cooling counterpoint to the rich lamb. Fresh mint leaves offer the best flavor.
• Honey: Adds natural sweetness and helps balance the sauce's tanginess.
• White Wine Vinegar: Brings acidity and brightness to the mint sauce.
• Hot Water: Helps blend the sauce ingredients smoothly.
• Salt: Enhances overall flavor profile.
• Olive Oil: Adds smoothness and helps emulsify the sauce.

Roast Leg of Lamb with Mint Sauce – Cooking and Serving Method

Step 1: Season the Lamb Masterpiece

• Fresh rosemary
• Garlic cloves
• Coarse sea salt
• Lemon zest
• Olive oil

Crush ingredients together in a mortar and pestle until they form a fragrant paste.

Massage the aromatic mixture thoroughly over the entire lamb leg, ensuring every surface gets coated with the delicious herb blend.

Step 2: Roast to Perfection

Position the seasoned lamb in a roasting pan and slide into a preheated oven at 400°F.

• Medium-rare: Approximately 1 hour 15 minutes
• Well-done: Around 1 hour 30 minutes

The meat will develop a gorgeous golden-brown exterior while staying juicy inside.

Step 3: Craft Vibrant Mint Sauce

• Mint leaves
• Honey
• Salt
• Hot water
• White wine vinegar
• Olive oil

Pulse until the sauce transforms into a smooth, bright green condiment that will complement the rich lamb perfectly.

Step 4: Rest and Serve with Flair

Remove the lamb from the oven and loosely tent with aluminum foil.

Allow the meat to rest peacefully for 20 minutes, which helps redistribute the delicious juices.

Slice against the grain and present alongside the zesty mint sauce for a show-stopping meal that will impress everyone at the table.

Lamb Roast Tips With Mint Sauce Glaze

• Crush herbs and garlic together to create a deeply flavorful paste that infuses the lamb with aromatic Mediterranean notes.
• Use a meat thermometer to check internal temperature – 135°F for medium-rare, 145°F for medium, ensuring juicy and tender results.
• Always let the lamb rest after roasting to redistribute meat juices, preventing dryness and maintaining succulent texture.
• Balance mint sauce flavors by adjusting honey and vinegar ratios to complement the rich lamb without overpowering it.
• Start with high heat (400°F) to seal in juices, then consider lowering temperature if lamb browns too quickly to prevent burning.

Roast Lamb with Mint Sauce Holds Flavor Overnight

• Store leftover lamb in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping it fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Wrap sliced lamb tightly in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe bag, where it can stay good for up to 3 months.
• Warm lamb slices at 325°F covered with foil for 10-15 minutes, adding a splash of broth to prevent drying out.
• Heat small portions on medium power in 30-second intervals, checking temperature and moisture to maintain tenderness.

What Complements Lamb Roast

• Elevate Lamb's Flavor Profile: Robust red wines like Cabernet Sauvignon or Syrah perfectly complement the rich, gamey lamb meat, cutting through its intensity with bold tannins.
• Refresh with Herbal Companions: Serve crisp green salads featuring arugula, fresh herbs, and light vinaigrettes to balance the lamb's richness and provide a zesty counterpoint.
• Create Textural Harmony: Roasted root vegetables such as carrots, parsnips, and sweet potatoes offer caramelized sweetness and earthy undertones that beautifully match the lamb's robust character.
• Enhance Mediterranean Experience: Include a side of creamy tzatziki or Greek yogurt sauce to provide a cool, tangy contrast that brightens the entire dish's flavor profile.

Roast Leg of Lamb with Mint Sauce Reworks

• Herb-Crusted Mediterranean Version: Replace rosemary with a blend of oregano, thyme, and parsley for a Mediterranean-inspired flavor profile.
• Gluten-Free Adaptation: Ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free and use gluten-free salt to accommodate celiac or gluten-sensitive diets.
• Slow Cooker Alternative: Replace oven roasting with a slow cooker method, cooking on low for 6-8 hours for tender, fall-apart lamb with minimal effort.
• Vegan Protein Substitute: Swap lamb with marinated jackfruit or seitan, using similar herb and spice blend for a plant-based version that mimics traditional roast flavors.

FAQs

• What cut of lamb works best for this recipe?

A leg of lamb is ideal for roasting, offering tender meat with rich flavor and perfect for special occasions.

• How do I know when the lamb is cooked perfectly?

Use a meat thermometer – 135°F for medium-rare, 145°F for medium. The internal temperature will help you achieve the right doneness without overcooking.

• Can I prepare the herb rub in advance?

Yes, you can mix the rosemary, garlic, salt, lemon zest, and olive oil paste up to 24 hours before roasting and store it in the refrigerator.

• Is fresh mint essential for the sauce?

Fresh mint provides the brightest flavor, but if unavailable, you can use high-quality dried mint, adjusting the quantity to taste.

Roast Leg of Lamb with Mint Sauce Recipe

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4.8 from 15 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 40 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Succulent roast leg of lamb with mint sauce brings Mediterranean warmth to your dinner table. Herb-crusted meat and tangy mint create a classic harmony that invites you to savor each delectable bite.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 2 kilograms (4.5 pounds) quality leg of lamb
• 1/2 small bunch fresh rosemary
• 1 lemon

Lamb Seasoning:

• 3 cloves garlic, peeled and crushed
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt, to taste

Mint Sauce Ingredients:

• 20 grams (1/2 cup) fresh mint leaves
• 2 tablespoons white wine vinegar
• 4 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon hot water
• 1 teaspoon honey
• 1 teaspoon salt

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Instructions

1. Craft an aromatic herbal rub by grinding rosemary, garlic, salt, lemon zest, and olive oil into a fragrant paste using a mortar and pestle.
2. Massage the herbal mixture thoroughly across the entire surface of the lamb leg, ensuring complete and even coverage.
3. Position the lamb in a roasting pan, aligning it for optimal heat distribution and consistent cooking.
4. Roast the lamb in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C), allowing approximately 15-20 minutes per pound for medium-rare doneness.
5. While the lamb cooks, prepare the vibrant mint sauce by blending fresh mint leaves, honey, salt, hot water, white wine vinegar, and olive oil until achieving a smooth, bright green consistency.
6. Once the lamb reaches desired internal temperature, carefully remove it from the oven and tent loosely with aluminum foil.
7. Allow the roasted lamb to rest undisturbed for 20 minutes, enabling juices to redistribute and ensuring tender, succulent meat.
8. Slice the lamb against the grain into elegant, thin portions.
9. Present the carved lamb with the mint sauce served separately, inviting guests to drizzle or dip as desired.

Notes

• Marinate the lamb overnight in the herb mixture for deeper flavor infusion and more tender meat.
• Use a meat thermometer to ensure precise doneness, aiming for 135°F (57°C) for medium-rare and 145°F (63°C) for medium.
• Adjust mint sauce sweetness by gradually adding honey, tasting as you go to balance the tangy vinegar and fresh mint.
• For a gluten-free and dairy-free version, replace honey with maple syrup and ensure all ingredients are certified allergen-free.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Roasting
• Cuisine: British

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 470
• Sugar: 1g
• Sodium: 600mg
• Fat: 35g
• Saturated Fat: 10g
• Unsaturated Fat: 20g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 4g
• Fiber: 0g
• Protein: 36g
• Cholesterol: 120mg