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Roast lamb with mint pesto sauce recipe

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This mouthwatering roast leg of lamb with a fresh and fragrant mint and pesto sauce is perfect for Easter lunch or a Sunday roast to feed a crowd. See method

Serves 6
10 mins to prepare and 1 hr 35 mins to cook, 45 mins to cool
545 calories / serving

Ingredients

2kg whole leg lamb joint
3 cloves of garlic, thickly sliced
2-3 sprigs rosemary
Olive oil for drizzling
1 onion, cut into chunks
2 carrots, cut into chunks

For the pea and mint pesto

200g frozen peas
1 small bunch mint, leaves only
1 tbsp capers, rinsed
12 blanched almonds, toasted and roughly chopped
1 small clove garlic, crushed
½ lemon, juiced
2½ tbsp olive oil

Each serving contains

Energy
2265kj
545kcal 27%
Fat
42g 60%
Saturates
17g 85%
Sugars
5g 6%
Salt
0.1g <1%

of the reference intake
Carbohydrate 8.7g Protein 34.4g Fibre 3.9g

Method

Using the point of a sharp knife make small incisions all over the lamb, then poke a slice of garlic into each hole. Cut the rosemary into smaller sprigs and push them into the incisions too. Cover and chill for at least 2 hours, preferably overnight.
Take the lamb out of the fridge 1hr before roasting to allow to come to room temperature. Heat oven togas 7, 220°C, fan 200°C. Place the chopped onion and carrot in a large roasting tin, then sit the lamb on top, season well and drizzle over the oil. Roast for 15 mins, then turn down to gas 5, 190°C, fan 170°Cand roast for a further 1hr 20 mins. Remove the lamb, cover lightly with foil and leave to rest in a warm place for 30-45 mins. (Now’s the time to pop your potatoes in the oven).
Meanwhile make the pesto sauce. Boil the kettle and pour over the peas, leave to stand for 1-2 mins. Drain the peas, then run under cold water. Once cool transfer to the small bowl of a food processor. Add the remaining ingredients and blend to a smooth paste. Season and transfer to a serving dish.
Strain any lamb juices from the roasting tray into a small saucepan. Add any resting juices and heat through. Slice the lamb and serve with the roasting juices and pea and mint sauce.

See more Lamb recipes

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