Ingredients

The following ingredients have 4 Servings
  • 12 cloves of garlic, peeled
  • 7 lb / 3.5 kg leg of lamb (Note 1)
  • Salt and pepper
  • 3 tsp paprika powder
  • 3 tsp garlic powder (or sub with onion powder)
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 2 large onions, quartered (white, brown, yellow, red)
  • 10 sprigs of thyme
  • 3 sprigs rosemary
  • 3 tsp dried oregano
  • 3 dried bayleaves (or 5 fresh)
  • 1/2 cup / 125 ml lemon juice (2 - 3 lemons), plus more to taste
  • 1 1/2 cups / 375 ml white wine (or sub with chicken broth/stock, low salt)
  • 2 cups / 500 ml chicken broth (liquid chicken stock)

Instruction

  • Preheat oven to 240°C/465°F (220°C fan). (Note 2)
  • Use a small knife to make around 25 incisions all over the lamb, with most on the top.
  • Cut around 6 cloves into slivers and stuff them into the incisions.
  • Sprinkle the lamb generously all over with salt, pepper, paprika and garlic powder. Drizzle with olive oil and rub all over the lamb.
  • Place the lamb in a roasting pan and roast for 30 minutes or until it has a nice brown crust.
  • Remove from the oven. Turn the oven down to 180°C/350°F (160°C fan).
  • Turn the lamb upside down. Pour / place all the remaining ingredients in the pan around the lamb (including remaining garlic cloves). Fill the roasting pan with hot water so it comes up about 1/4 - 1/3 of the way up the height of the lamb.
  • Cover with lid or with baking/parchment paper then 2 layers of foil. Bake for 3.5 hours. (Note 3) Top up water if it dries out (e.g. Might happen if your lid is loose)
  • Remove the roast from the oven and remove the lid/foil. Turn the lamb over so it is the right side up.
  • Cover again and roast for a further 2 1/2 hours, or until you can pull meat apart with forks.
  • Remove cover and roast for a further 20 - 30 minutes (to brown). (Note 3)
  • Remove from the oven and transfer lamb to serving platter. Cover loosely with foil and rest for 30 - 40 minutes.
  • Strain liquid into a clear jug. The fat will rise to the top. Scoop/pour most of it off - I get 3/4 - 1 cup. There should be 2 - 3 cups of Sauce left. Adjust salt, pepper and lemon to taste.
  • Serve lamb with the Sauce on the side and Truly Crunchy Roast Potatoes (heat oil while lamb is in the oven, then cook potatoes when the lamb is resting).