Roast Leg Of Lamb With Garlic And Rosemary

Ingredients

• 1 head of garlic (halved horizontally)
• 1 leg of lamb (bone in, approx 2kg/4lb)
• 6 garlic cloves (halved)
• 1 bunch fresh rosemary
• 15 g softened butter
• salt and freshly ground black pepper
• seasoned vegetables, to serve

Method

1. Preheat the oven to 220°C. Make 1 inch deep incisions in the lamb; into each incision insert the garlic cloves and rosemary sprigs.
2. Rub the butter over the lamb and place the leg with the halved head of garlic in roasting dish, season and place in the oven for 1-1.5 hours (15 minutes per 450g/1lb for rare and 20 minutes for medium) turning over half way through.
3. Remove the lamb from the oven, season again and transfer to a tray to rest.
4. To make the Gravy
5. Place the roasting pan over a moderate heat to caramelise the lamb juices; this will take 2-3 minutes.
6. Strain of any excess fat.
7. Pour in 350ml cold water, reduce heat and simmer gently for 5 minutes.
8. Strain through a sieve.
9. To Serve
10. Serve the lamb with the gravy and seasonal vegetables.
11. Lamb trimmings and chopped bones from your butcher make a great 'bed' for the lamb to sit on while cooking and add extra flavour.