Shepherd's Roast Lamb
A rustic and flavorful roast lamb dish, often prepared in rural areas of Spain. This recipe features lamb marinated and slow-roasted with herbs, garlic, and sometimes wine, resulting in incredibly tender and aromatic meat.

๐ง Ingredients
- 1.5 kg Leg of lamb
- 6 Garlic cloves, thinly sliced
- 3 Fresh rosemary sprigs
- 3 Fresh thyme sprigs
- 4 tbsp Olive oil
- 150 ml Dry white wine or red wine
- 100 ml Water or lamb stock
- to taste Salt
- to taste Black pepper
- 500 g Optional: Potatoes, quartered
- 2 medium Optional: Onions, quartered
๐จโ๐ณ Instructions
- 1
Preheat oven to 180ยฐC (350ยฐF). Make small incisions all over the leg of lamb using a sharp knife. Insert slices of garlic, rosemary, and thyme into these incisions.
๐ก Tip: Ensuring the garlic and herbs are distributed evenly throughout the meat. - 2
Season the lamb generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper.
๐ก Tip: Don't be shy with the seasoning; lamb can handle robust flavors. - 3
Heat olive oil in a large roasting pan over medium-high heat. Sear the lamb on all sides until golden brown.
๐ก Tip: Searing locks in the juices and adds a delicious crust. - 4
If using, add the quartered potatoes and onions to the roasting pan around the lamb.
๐ก Tip: The vegetables will cook in the lamb's juices, absorbing its flavor. - 5
Pour the white wine and water (or stock) into the bottom of the roasting pan. This will create steam and help keep the lamb moist.
๐ก Tip: Deglazing the pan with liquid helps to lift any browned bits, adding more flavor to the sauce. - 6
Cover the roasting pan loosely with aluminum foil. Roast in the preheated oven for 1 hour and 30 minutes.
๐ก Tip: Covering the lamb initially helps it to cook through without drying out. - 7
Remove the foil. Continue roasting for another 1 hour, basting the lamb with the pan juices every 20 minutes, until the lamb is cooked to your desired doneness and the vegetables are tender and browned.
๐ก Tip: Basting is crucial for a moist and flavorful roast. Use a meat thermometer for accuracy; 60-65ยฐC (140-150ยฐF) for medium-rare. - 8
Remove the lamb from the pan and let it rest for 15-20 minutes before carving. Serve with the roasted vegetables and pan juices.
๐ก Tip: Resting the meat allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more tender and flavorful cut.
๐ก Pro Tips
- โFor an even deeper flavor, marinate the lamb overnight in the refrigerator with garlic, herbs, olive oil, and wine.
- โIf the pan juices become too dry during roasting, add a little more water or stock.
- โServe with a side of roasted garlic or a simple salad.
โจ Twist Ideas
Inspiration for your own version of this recipe
- Add a tablespoon of honey to the basting liquid in the last 30 minutes of cooking for a slightly sweet glaze.
- Incorporate other root vegetables like carrots or parsnips into the roasting pan.
- For a richer sauce, thicken the pan juices with a cornstarch slurry.