An unusual buttermilk marinade lends moisture and flavor to Chicago chef John Shields' roast lamb. Garnished with fresh herbs, it's ideal for early spring celebrations.

Source: Midwest Living

Gallery

Recipe Summary

hands-on:
30 mins
total:
2 hrs 25 mins
Servings:
12
Advertisement

Ingredients

Ingredient Checklist

Directions

Instructions Checklist
  • In a container large and deep enough to hold the leg of lamb horizontally, combine buttermilk, salt and maple syrup. Add lamb and turn to coat. Chill, covered, 24 to 48 hours, turning lamb occasionally.

    Advertisement
  • Preheat oven to 325°. Remove lamb from marinade; discard marinade. Place lamb on a rack in a shallow roasting pan. Roast until an instant-read thermometer inserted in the thickest portion reads 135° for medium-rare, 1 3/4 to 2 1/4 hours.

  • Transfer lamb to a carving board. Tent with foil and let rest for 10 to 15 minutes. Sprinkle with fresh herbs, salt and pepper before serving.

Grill Method

For a charcoal grill, arrange preheated coals around a drip pan. Test for medium-low heat above the pan. Place lamb on the grill rack over the drip pan. Cover and grill, turning occasionally, until an instant-read thermometer inserted in the thickest portion reaches 135° for medium-rare, 1 3/4 to 2 1/4 hours. (For a gas grill, preheat grill. Reduce heat to medium. Adjust heat for indirect cooking. Place lamb on grill rack on unlit side. Cover and grill as above.)

Nutrition Facts

290 calories; fat 20g; cholesterol 90mg; saturated fat 9g; carbohydrates 1g; mono fat 8g; poly fat 2g; sugars 1g; protein 24g; vitamin a 214IU; vitamin c 3.4mg; thiamin 0.1mg; riboflavin 0.3mg; niacin equivalents 6.8mg; vitamin b6 0.2mg; folate 25.6mcg; vitamin b12 2.5mcg; sodium 409mg; potassium 267mg; calcium 21mg; iron 2.4mg.
Advertisement