Classic Australian Sunday Roast Lamb
A quintessential Australian Sunday feast, this roast lamb recipe delivers tender, flavourful meat with crispy roasted potatoes, perfect for gathering family and friends.
🧂 Ingredients
- 2kg Leg of lamb(Bone-in or boneless, at room temperature)
- 6-8 cloves Garlic(Peeled)
- 4-6 sprigs Fresh rosemary(Leaves stripped from stems)
- 2 tablespoons Olive oil
- 1 teaspoon Salt(Or to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon Black pepper(Freshly ground, or to taste)
- 1.5kg Potatoes(Maris Piper, Desiree, or similar floury variety, peeled and cut into large chunks)
- As needed For Gravy(Pan juices from roasting, stock, flour, seasoning)
- For serving Optional: Mint sauce or jelly
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Preheat your oven to 220°C (425°F). Pat the lamb dry with paper towels. Using a small, sharp knife, make small incisions all over the lamb. Insert slivers of garlic and small pieces of rosemary into these incisions. Rub the entire leg of lamb with olive oil, then season generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper.
⏱️ 10 minutes - 2
Place the seasoned lamb in a roasting tin. Roast in the preheated oven for 20 minutes to get a good sear. After 20 minutes, reduce the oven temperature to 180°C (350°F).
⏱️ 20 minutes - 3
While the lamb is searing, prepare the potatoes. Parboil the potato chunks in salted boiling water for about 10 minutes until the edges are slightly softened. Drain them thoroughly in a colander, shaking gently to rough up the surfaces – this helps them crisp up. Add a tablespoon of olive oil or lamb fat to the roasting tin with the lamb, and arrange the parboiled potatoes around it. Ensure they are in a single layer for even roasting.
⏱️ 15 minutes - 4
Continue roasting the lamb and potatoes for approximately 1 hour 45 minutes to 2 hours, or until the lamb reaches your desired internal temperature. For medium-rare, aim for 55-57°C (131-135°F); for medium, 60-63°C (140-145°F); and for well-done, 65-70°C (149-158°F). The potatoes should be golden brown and crispy. Baste the lamb and potatoes with the pan juices halfway through this cooking time.
⏱️ 1 hour 45 minutes - 2 hours - 5
Once cooked, carefully remove the lamb from the roasting tin and place it on a carving board. Tent it loosely with foil and let it rest for at least 15-20 minutes. This is crucial for the juices to redistribute, ensuring a tender and moist roast. Keep the potatoes warm in a low oven.
⏱️ 15-20 minutes - 6
While the lamb rests, make the gravy. Pour the pan juices into a saucepan, discarding excess fat. You can thicken it with a little flour cooked in a separate pan with some butter, or simply reduce it with a splash of stock or red wine. Season to taste. Carve the rested lamb and serve immediately with the crispy roast potatoes, gravy, and optional mint sauce or jelly.
⏱️ 10 minutes
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓For extra crispy potatoes, add a tablespoon of beef dripping or duck fat to the roasting tin with the potatoes.
- ✓Ensure the lamb is at room temperature before roasting for more even cooking.
- ✓Resting the lamb is non-negotiable for a succulent result. Don't skip this step!
- ✓Mint sauce or jelly is a classic accompaniment to roast lamb in Australia.
✨ Twist Ideas
Inspiration for your own version of this recipe
- For a richer flavour, consider using lamb shoulder instead of leg, adjusting cooking time as needed.
- Infuse the lamb with Mediterranean flavours by adding lemon slices and oregano during roasting.