Simple to prepare zesty roast leg of lamb with parsnips and leeks.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Serves: 6 people
To Cook Medium: 25 minutes per 450g/1lb plus 25 minutes
To Cook Well Done: 30 minutes per 450g/1lb plus 30 minutes
Average Cooking Time for 3lb: 0 Minutes
Ingredients
1.3kg/3lb lean lamb leg joint
Salt and freshly milled black pepper
30ml/2tbsp olive oil
Peeled zest of 2 lemons, cut into small pieces
Large bunch lemon thyme
450g/1lb small leeks, cut into chunks
450g/1lb medium parsnips, peeled and cut in half lengthways
For the gravy
:15ml/1tbsp plain flour
150ml/¼pint white wine
600ml/1pint good, hot lamb stock
Method
Preheat the oven to Gas mark 4-5, 180-190°C, 350-375°F.
Place the joint on a chopping board, make several slits over the joint, season well and rub with the olive oil.
Mix together the lemon zest and thyme and stuff into the slits of the joint. Place on a rack in a non-stick roasting tin and open roast in a preheated oven for the calculated cooking time, basting occasionally with any lamb juices.
During the last 40 minutes of cooking add the leeks and parsnips to the base of the tin with a little stock and position the joint on top.
Remove the lamb and vegetables from the tin, wrap loosely with foil and keep warm.
To make the gravy: spoon off any excess fat from the tin and discard. Place the tin over a medium heat and sprinkle over the flour. Stir well with a small whisk or spoon, add a little stock and stir again, scraping the base of the pan to release any sediment.
Add the remaining stock, adjust the seasoning, bring to the boil, reduce the heat and simmer, stirring frequently for 8-10 minutes or until thickened to a well-flavoured gravy. Strain before serving, if required.