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Perfect Roast Lamb
This easy roast lamb makes the perfect centrepiece for an Easter or Christmas feast — or just for a Sunday roast with family and friends. Don't be put off trying it if you don't like anchovies — they melt away to nothing, adding richness and depth of flavour.
Prep Time
15 mins
Cook Time
50 mins
Serves
8
Dinner
Nut Free
Special Occasions
Kiwi
Dairy Free
Gluten Free
$$
Kids
Ingredients
LAMB
1.3-1.5 kg bone-out leg of lamb, (carvery roast)
8-10 anchovies, halved lengthwise
16-20 tiny sprigs rosemary, plus extra whole sprigs
1 unpeeled onion, coarsely sliced
1 lemon
salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
REDCURRANT JUS
2 tbsp redcurrant jelly
2 cups vegetable stock or water
1 tbsp red wine vinegar
2 tbsp port or red wine
1 tbsp cornflour
2 tbsp cold water
salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Lamb
STEP 1
Use a sharp, thin-bladed knife to make 16-20 narrow, deep cuts all over the lamb.
Into each hole stuff half an anchovy fillet (if anchovies are mushy just grab a big pinch and stuff it deep into each hole).
Insert a sprig of rosemary in each hole and chill until ready to cook.
Bring back to room temperature for 15 minutes before roasting.
STEP 2
When ready to cook, heat oven to 200˚C.
Place onion slices in a roasting dish and top with the extra rosemary sprigs and the lamb.
Halve the lemon, squeeze the juice over the lamb and put the empty halves in the roasting dish, cut-side down.
Season lamb with salt and pepper.
Roast until cooked to your liking (about 50-60 minutes for medium-rare).
Remove meat from roasting dish, cover with tin foil and a clean teatowel to keep warm, and rest for 10-20 minutes.
Redcurrant jus
STEP 1
While meat rests, make Redcurrant Jus.
Drain off and discard fat from the roasting dish, leaving onion, rosemary and lemon.
Place the roasting dish over direct heat, add redcurrant jelly, stock or water, vinegar and port or red wine, stir well to release pan brownings and simmer 5-10 minutes.
STEP 2
Strain off rosemary, onion and lemon shells and discard.
Mix cornflour with cold water and add to the dish, stirring to combine.
Simmer over a low heat, stirring, for 1-2 minutes.
Season to taste with salt and pepper.
Carve lamb at the table and serve with a jug of Redcurrant Jus.
