Perfect Roast Leg of Lamb

Perfect Roast Leg of Lamb is a medium British recipe that serves 8. 600 calories per serving. Recipe by Jamie Oliver on YouTube.

Prep: 35 min | Cook: 2 hrs 40 min | Total: 3 hrs 35 min

Cost: $62.08 total, $7.76 per serving

Ingredients

  • 2.4 kg Leg of Lamb (bone‑in, trimmed)
  • 2 tbsp Olive Oil (extra‑virgin)
  • 1 tbsp Salt (kosher or sea salt)
  • 1 tsp Black Pepper (freshly ground)
  • 4 Garlic Cloves (peeled, whole)
  • 4 sprigs Fresh Rosemary (stems removed, leaves stripped)
  • 4 Anchovy Fillets (packed in oil, drained)
  • 2 Carrots (cut into large chunks)
  • 2 Celery Stalks (cut into large pieces)
  • 1 Onion (quartered)
  • 250 ml Water (about a glass, for steam and gravy base)

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven

    Set the oven to 220°C and allow it to fully preheat.

    Time: PT10M

    Temperature: 220°C

  2. Season the Lamb

    Pat the leg of lamb dry, rub with olive oil, then season generously with salt and black pepper all over.

    Time: PT5M

  3. Create Flavor Slits

    Using a small paring knife, make evenly spaced slits about 2.5 inches apart down to the bone, inserting a finger to keep each slit open.

    Time: PT5M

  4. Insert Garlic‑Rosemary‑Anchovy Mix

    Place a peeled garlic clove, a rosemary leaf and an anchovy fillet into each slit, pushing gently so the mixture stays inside.

    Time: PT5M

  5. Prepare the Trivet

    Roughly chop carrots, celery and onion into large chunks. Scatter them in the bottom of the roasting pan, add the glass of water, and set aside.

    Time: PT10M

  6. Position the Lamb

    Place the seasoned lamb directly on the oven rack (or the top bars) above the roasting pan so the fat can drip down onto the vegetables.

    Time: PT5M

  7. Roast the Lamb

    Insert the meat thermometer into the thickest part of the leg. Roast at 220°C for 15 minutes, then lower the oven to 180°C and continue roasting until the internal temperature reaches 63°C for medium‑rare (about 2 hours total) or 83°C for well‑done. Remove from oven when desired doneness is reached.

    Time: PT2H40M

    Temperature: 180°C

  8. Rest the Lamb

    Transfer the lamb to a cutting board, tent loosely with foil and let rest for at least 30 minutes before carving.

    Time: PT30M

Nutrition Facts

Calories
600
Protein
45 g
Carbohydrates
0 g
Fat
40 g
Fiber
0 g

Dietary info: Gluten-Free, High‑Protein, Paleo‑Friendly

Allergens: Fish (anchovies)

Last updated: March 17, 2026

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Perfect Roast Leg of Lamb

Recipe by Jamie Oliver

A classic British‑style roast leg of lamb seasoned with garlic, rosemary and anchovy, roasted hot then finished at a lower temperature for a juicy, medium‑rare centre. Served with a simple pan‑dripping gravy, this dish is perfect for celebrations or a weekend feast.

MediumBritishServes 8

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Source Video
55m
Prep
2h 55m
Cook
28m
Cleanup
4h 18m
Total

Cost Breakdown

$62.08
Total cost
$7.76
Per serving

Critical Success Points

  • Create Flavor Slits
  • Insert Garlic‑Rosemary‑Anchovy Mix
  • Position the Lamb
  • Roast the Lamb

Safety Warnings

  • Handle raw lamb with separate cutting board to avoid cross‑contamination.
  • Use oven mitts when placing and removing the hot roasting pan.
  • Check internal temperature with a calibrated meat thermometer.
  • Beware of the sharp knife when making slits.

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