Recipes

Indian-Spiced Butterflied Leg of Lamb

Name: Indian-Spiced Butterflied Leg of Lamb
Total time: 540 min
Ingredients: 3 tablespoons coriander seeds; 2 tablespoons cumin seeds; 2 teaspoons yellow mustard seeds; 2 small dried red chiles; 1 teaspoon black peppercorns; 1 tablespoon ground turmeric; 1 tablespoon ground fenugreek; 1 teaspoon ground cardamom; 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger; One 5-pound butterflied leg of lamb; 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil; Salt

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While editing Jeremiah Tower Cooks, published in 2002 by Stewart, Tabori & Chang, Gail Monaghan ended up eating or cooking most of the recipes. One of her favorites is this easy Indian-inspired lamb. The spice-rubbed lamb needs to be refrigerated for at least 6 hours, so plan accordingly. More Amazing Lamb Recipes

By Gail Monaghan

Updated on March 23, 2017

Indian-Spiced Butterflied Leg of Lamb — Photo: © Miki Duisterhof

Active Time:

20 mins

Total Time:

9 hrs

Yield:

8

Ingredients

3 tablespoons coriander seeds
2 tablespoons cumin seeds
2 teaspoons yellow mustard seeds
2 small dried red chiles
1 teaspoon black peppercorns
1 tablespoon ground turmeric
1 tablespoon ground fenugreek
1 teaspoon ground cardamom
1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
One 5-pound butterflied leg of lamb
1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
Salt

Directions

In a medium skillet, combine the coriander, cumin and mustard seeds with the chiles and peppercorns. Toast the spices over moderate heat, shaking the pan, until fragrant, about 1 minute. Transfer to a spice grinder to cool completely, then grind to a powder. Transfer the spices to a bowl and stir in the turmeric, fenugreek, cardamom and ginger.
Spread the lamb on a large baking sheet and rub it all over with the spices. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 6 hours or overnight.
Preheat the oven to 400°. Scrape most of the spices off the lamb. Rub the meat with 3 tablespoons of the olive oil and season with salt.
In a large roasting pan set over 2 burners, heat the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil until shimmering. Add the lamb, fat side down, and cook over moderate heat until deeply browned, about 5 minutes. Turn the lamb over and cook over moderate heat until golden, about 3 minutes. Transfer the lamb to the oven and roast for 25 minutes, or until an instant-read thermometer inserted in the thickest part of the meat registers 120° for medium rare.
Transfer the lamb to a carving board and let stand for 10 minutes. Carve the meat into thick slices and serve.

Make Ahead

The spice-rubbed lamb can be refrigerated for up to 24 hours.

Suggested Pairing

A strong-flavored wine with good acidity and fruit will complement the Indian flavors in the lamb's spice rub. Look for a spicy, juicy Shiraz or Syrah that isn't too heavy from Australia or Washington State.