Crusty Roast Leg of Lamb with British Mint Sauce

Ingredients

1. 20 garlic cloves, peeled
2. 1/2 cup red wine vinegar
3. 2 tablespoons thyme
4. 1 1/2 cups water
5. One 9- to 10-pound whole leg of lamb
6. 1 medium onion, coarsely chopped
7. 2 cups dry white wine
8. 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
9. 4 bay leaves
10. Salt and freshly ground pepper
11. 1/2 cup white wine vinegar
12. 1/2 cup finely chopped mint
13. 1 tablespoon unsalted butter

1. In a blender, puree 10 of the garlic cloves with the red wine vinegar, thyme and 1/2 cup of the water. Put the lamb in a roasting pan and pour the marinade over it. Cover and refrigerate overnight.
2. Preheat the oven to 325°. Spread the onion and the remaining 10 garlic cloves under the leg of lamb. Add the wine to the pan and rub the lamb with the olive oil. Top with the bay leaves and season with salt and pepper. Roast the lamb for about 4 1/2 hours, or until an instant-read thermometer inserted in the thickest part of the meat registers 160°. If the pan begins to look dry during cooking, add 1/2 cup of water.
3. Transfer the lamb to a carving board. In a small saucepan, combine the remaining 1/2 cup of water with the white wine vinegar, mint, butter and a pinch of salt and bring to a boil. Simmer over moderate heat until the broth resembles mint tea, about 3 minutes. Carve the lamb and serve with the mint broth.