Indulge in a culinary masterpiece that combines the rich, robust flavors of perfectly roasted lamb with the delicate sweetness of a redcurrant glaze. This sophisticated dish marries the herbaceous notes of rosemary with the tender, succulent texture of lamb, creating a restaurant-quality meal that’s surprisingly simple to prepare at home. Perfect for a romantic dinner or an impressive weekend feast, this recipe transforms simple ingredients into a memorable dining experience.
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon (15 ml) balsamic vinegar
- 1 tablespoon (15 ml) olive oil
- 1 rosemary sprig, finely chopped
- 1.1-1.3 lbs (500-600g) leg of lamb
- 1 garlic clove, lightly crushed
- 1/3 cup (80 ml) lamb or beef broth
- 1.5 teaspoons (7.5 ml) blackcurrant jelly
- 3 new potatoes, halved lengthwise
- 3.5 oz (100g) green beans, sliced
- 1 tablespoon (15g) butter
- 2 teaspoons fresh mint, finely chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
Detailed Preparation Instructions
Marinating and Preparing the Lamb
- Preheat and Prepare: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C), ensuring it’s fully heated before cooking.
- Create Marinade: In a small bowl, whisk together balsamic vinegar, olive oil, chopped rosemary, salt, and pepper to create a flavorful marinade.
- Season the Lamb: Thoroughly rub the marinade over the entire leg of lamb, ensuring complete coverage for maximum flavor infusion.
Roasting the Lamb
- Initial Roasting: Place the marinated lamb in a roasting pan, adding the crushed garlic clove for additional aromatic depth.
- Cooking Time: Roast the lamb for 20-25 minutes per pound to achieve a perfect medium-rare doneness. The target internal temperature is 135°F (57°C).
Preparing the Redcurrant Glaze
- Create Glaze: In a small saucepan, combine lamb or beef broth with blackcurrant jelly.
- Reduce Glaze: Simmer the mixture for approximately 5 minutes until it slightly thickens, creating a glossy, flavorful coating.
Preparing Side Dishes
- Potato Preparation: Boil potato halves for 5 minutes, then drain completely.
- Roast Potatoes: Toss potatoes with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Roast in the oven for 20-25 minutes until crispy and golden.
- Green Bean Preparation: Steam green beans for 3-4 minutes until they reach a tender-crisp texture.
- Finish Green Beans: Toss the beans with butter and freshly chopped mint for added flavor.
Final Touches
- Glaze the Lamb: During the last 10 minutes of cooking, brush the lamb with the prepared redcurrant glaze.
- Rest the Meat: Allow the lamb to rest for 10 minutes after removing from the oven. This helps retain its juices and ensures tender slicing.
- Serve: Slice the lamb and plate with crispy roasted potatoes and buttered mint green beans.
Recipe Details
- Prep Time: 1 hour
- Cooking Time: Approximately 45-60 minutes
- Servings: 2
- Difficulty: Intermediate
Nutritional Information (Approximate per serving)
- Calories: 450-500
- Protein: 35-40g
- Carbohydrates: 15-20g
- Fat: 25-30g
Expert Tips
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure perfect lamb doneness.
- Let the lamb come to room temperature before roasting for even cooking.
- Choose a high-quality blackcurrant jelly for the most authentic glaze flavor.
Wine Pairing Suggestion
This elegant dish pairs beautifully with a medium-bodied red wine such as a Pinot Noir or a Syrah, which complement the lamb’s rich flavor and the sweet-tangy glaze.
Enjoy your gourmet culinary creation – a perfect balance of flavors and textures that will transport your taste buds to a fine dining experience!