Recipes

Leg of Lamb Shawarma

Name: Leg of Lamb Shawarma
Total time: 165 min
Ingredients: 1 head of garlic, top fourth cut off; 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, plus more for drizzling; Finely grated zest and juice of 2 lemons; 1 teaspoon sweet paprika; 1 teaspoon ground cumin; 1 teaspoon ground coriander; 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon; Kosher salt; Freshly ground black pepper; One 5-pound butterflied leg of lamb; Grilled flatbread, for serving; Plain yogurt mixed with dill, for serving; Sliced cucumbers, for serving

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This grilled lamb is Silvena Rowe’s signature dish at Quince in London. It can be set out on a buffet, or sliced and served in grilled flatbread with dilled yogurt and cucumbers.

By Food & Wine

Updated on May 17, 2019

Leg of Lamb Shawarma — Photo: © John Kernick

Active Time:

30 mins

Total Time:

2 hrs 45 mins

Yield:

6 to 8

Ingredients

1 head of garlic, top fourth cut off
2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, plus more for drizzling
Finely grated zest and juice of 2 lemons
1 teaspoon sweet paprika
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon ground coriander
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
Kosher salt
Freshly ground black pepper
One 5-pound butterflied leg of lamb
Grilled flatbread, for serving
Plain yogurt mixed with dill, for serving
Sliced cucumbers, for serving

Directions

Preheat the oven to 350°. Put the garlic on a double piece of foil and drizzle with olive oil. Wrap the garlic in the foil and bake for about 1 hour and 15 minutes, until very soft.
Squeeze the garlic cloves into a bowl and mash with a fork. Stir in the lemon zest, lemon juice, paprika, cumin, coriander, cinnamon and the 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Add 1 teaspoon of salt and 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper.
Lay the lamb on a work surface and make 1/2-inch-deep slits all over the meat. Transfer the lamb to a rimmed baking sheet and spread the spice paste all over, rubbing it into the meat. Cover and refrigerate overnight.
Light a grill. Bring the lamb to room temperature and season with salt and pepper. Grill the lamb fat side down over moderately high heat until charred, about 20 minutes. Turn the lamb and grill for about 20 minutes longer, until an instant-read thermometer inserted in the thickest part registers 130° for medium meat. Transfer the lamb to a work surface to rest for about 15 minutes.
Carve the lamb into thin slices and serve it with grilled flatbread, dilled yogurt and sliced cucumbers.

Suggested Pairing

Gamey lamb is spectacular with Syrah’s spiciness and density.