Forget the Oven, This is How I Make a Leg of Lamb Now

leg of lamb

🥗Healthier: chicken

💰Cheaper: pork shoulder

Chicken is leaner, while pork shoulder is more affordable.

olive oil

🥗Healthier: avocado oil

💰Cheaper: canola oil

Avocado oil is healthier with a higher smoke point.

red wine

🥗Healthier: grape juice

💰Cheaper: beef broth

Grape juice adds sweetness without alcohol, while broth enhances flavor.

chicken broth

🥗Healthier: vegetable broth

💰Cheaper: water with seasoning

Vegetable broth is lower in calories and can be made easily.

Remove the net from the boneless leg of lamb and set it aside.

Transfer the leg of lamb to a sheet tray lined with parchment paper and a rack on top.

Generously season both sides of the lamb with coarse salt and black pepper, about a foot away for even coverage.

Refrigerate the seasoned lamb for 24 to 48 hours to allow the seasonings to penetrate.

Prepare garlic confit by adding 2 cups of garlic cloves and 1.5 cups of olive oil to a 2-quart saucepan.

Cook the garlic and oil on low heat for about 45 minutes until the garlic is golden brown and tender.

Mince 3 tablespoons each of fresh rosemary, thyme, and parsley, and set aside.

Once the garlic is done, transfer it to a glass jar and let it cool to room temperature.

In a small bowl, mix 1/3 cup of the garlic confit oil with the minced herbs and a few roasted garlic cloves, seasoning with salt and pepper.

Preheat the smoker to 225°F and prepare it with Alder pellets.

Make 20 to 25 incisions in the lamb and stuff with roasted garlic cloves.

Brush 1/3 of the herb garlic oil inside the lamb, then fold it back to its original shape and wrap it with the net.

Brush the remaining herb garlic oil around the outside of the lamb.

Place the lamb in the smoker on the top rack with a drip pan underneath.

Insert a thermometer and cook until the internal temperature reaches 800°F, or at 225°F in the oven.

After some time, increase the heat to 500°F until the internal temperature reaches 125°F.

Cooking Techniques

Equipment Needed

Spice Level: