• Staff Favorite

Ingredients

1. 1 1/2 cups mint leaves
2. 1 1/2 cups flat-leaf parsley leaves
3. 6 garlic cloves, thickly sliced
4. 3/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper
5. 3/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, plus more for brushing
6. 1/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons freshly grated Parmesan cheese
7. 1/2 teaspoon grated lemon zest
8. Salt and freshly ground pepper
9. One 5 1/2- to 6-pound butterflied leg of lamb
10. 1 pound feta cheese, preferably French, crumbled (4 cups)

Directions

1. In a food processor, pulse the mint with the parsley, garlic and crushed red pepper until finely chopped. Add 1/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons of the olive oil and process to a coarse paste. Add the Parmesan and lemon zest and pulse to combine. Season with salt and pepper.
2. Spread the lamb on a cutting board and, using a paring knife, poke the meat all over on both sides. Using your fingers, work 1/3 cup of the mint pesto into the slashes and crevices. Season the lamb generously with salt and pepper and transfer to a roasting pan. Cover and refrigerate overnight.
3. Meanwhile, transfer the remaining mint pesto to a bowl and stir in the feta and remaining 1/2 cup of olive oil. Season with salt and pepper and refrigerate.
4. Light a grill. Bring the marinated lamb to room temperature, about 1 hour, then brush it all over with olive oil. Season generously with salt and pepper and grill the lamb over a medium-high fire, turning occasionally, for about 20 minutes, or until an instant-read thermometer inserted into the thickest part registers 125° (150° in the thinnest part). Transfer the lamb to a cutting board and let it rest for 10 minutes. Thinly slice the lamb and serve with the feta salsa.

Make Ahead

The feta salsa can be refrigerated overnight.

Notes

A butterflied (cut so it’s flattened) leg of lamb cooks faster and more consistently than a leg left as a very thick piece. If you’re not sure how to butterfly, ask your butcher to do it for you.