Slow-Roasted Lamb with Secret Salsa Verde
Slow-Roasted Lamb with Secret Salsa Verde
Nadia Lim's Slow Roasted Lamb Photo: supplied
It's really hard to beat a succulent, tender roast leg or shoulder of lamb cooked on the bone. This recipe will give you roast lamb perfection every time, with super tender, succulent meat. The marinade and salsa verde (green herb sauce) is the perfect combination of herb, lemon and salty savoury flavours (from a key ingredient that I often don't tell people about - anchovies!). Anchovies on their own can be a bit urgh, but they really do help make this the tastiest roast lamb. People will ask you how you did it but, hey, you don't have to tell them!
Serves 8-10
Prep time 15 minutes
Cook time 3-4 hours + 20-30 minutes
DF | GF
lamb leg or shoulder 1 (about 2-2.5kg), brought up to room temperature
rosemary leaves, finely chopped, 3 tablespoons
garlic 3-4 cloves, minced
anchovies 2-3, finely chopped (optional, but recommended)
lemon zest of 1
olive oil 2 tablespoons
salt 1 teaspoon
freshly ground black pepper 1 teaspoon
SECRET SALSA VERDE
mint leaves 1 cup
thyme leaves 2 tablespoons
flat-leaf parsley, roughly chopped, ½ cup
anchovies 2-3 (optional, but recommended)
capers 2½ tablespoons
garlic 1 small clove, finely chopped
Dijon mustard 1-1½ teaspoons
lemon zest and juice of 1
extra-virgin olive oil ¼ cup
1. Preheat oven to 220°C. Pat lamb dry with paper towels. Use a small, sharp knife to make lots of 1-2cm wide cuts all over the lamb (about 30-40 cuts in total). Mix rosemary, garlic, anchovies, lemon zest, olive oil, salt and pepper together. Rub this mixture all over the lamb, making sure you push some deeply into the cuts (to infuse the flavour).
2. Place lamb in a large roasting dish, on a rack, and roast for 15 minutes at 220°C, then reduce heat to 150°C and continue to cook for a further 3-4 hours or until the meat is very tender. Set aside to rest, covered with tinfoil and a few tea towels, for at least 20-30 minutes before serving.
3. To make the Secret Salsa Verde, place mint, thyme, parsley, anchovies, capers and garlic in a pile on a big, steady chopping board. Use a large knife to chop all the ingredients up finely together, mixing everything as you go. This method of making the sauce gives a much nicer texture and flavour than blending it. Transfer to a bowl and mix in mustard, lemon zest and juice, and olive oil. Season to taste with salt, freshly ground black pepper, and more lemon juice if required.
4. Slice lamb against the grain and serve with the Secret Salsa Verde on the side.