Ingredients
- 1/3 cup loosely packed fresh rosemary leaves, about 3 (6-inch) sprigs, plus 4 fresh rosemary sprigs outside of lamb
- 1/2 cup peeled and loosely packed chopped garlic
- 1/2 cup balsamic vinegar
- 1/2 cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons freshly cracked black pepper, plus for seasoning
- 3 limes, zested and juiced, about 1/2 cup juice
- 1 (4 pound) boneless lamb leg
- 4 to 6 pieces bacon, preferably apple wood smoked
- 1 cup chicken stock
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup dry vermouth
Directions
In a food processor or blender, add the rosemary, garlic, balsamic and soy. Pulse several times to combine, then add the black pepper and the lime juice. Pulse, then stir in the lime zest.
Trim the fat and sinew from the lamb leg. Put it in a resealable gallon plastic bag and pour in the in the marinade. Refrigerate for 12 to 24 hours. Strain and reserve the marinade.
Preheat the oven or indirect grill to 325 degrees F.
With kitchen twine, tie the leg into an evenly shaped roast. Weave the bacon strips into the kitchen twine, along with the rosemary. Put the lamb into a roasting pan and pour in the marinade. Roast for approximately 25 minutes per pound for medium-rare, about 1 hour 40 minutes. Internal temperature should register 145 to 155 degrees F on an instant-read thermometer when done. Baste occasionally with the pan juices.
Remove the lamb from the oven when desired internal temperature is reached. (Chef's Note: 145 degrees F for medium-rare, 160 degrees F for medium, 170 degrees F for well-done.) Remove the lamb from pan to a cutting board and let rest lightly covered for 10 to 15 minutes.
While the lamb is resting, remove the fat from the roasting pan, put it over high heat and slowly incorporate the chicken stock. Strain and adjust seasonings, to taste. Return to the heat and reduce for 5 minutes, then stir in the butter and vermouth. Pour into a serving bowl. Slice the lamb and arrange it on a serving platter. Serve the sauce with the lamb.












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By errn9154
Midlothian, VA
on December 25, 2011
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Just made this as my Christmas entre, rave reviews from all my guests. Way to go Guy, thank you for a wonderful and tasty dish.
By blowpop
sidney, Oh
on September 10, 2011
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Oh, yeah! Even better the next day on a pita or wrap sandwich. So full of rich flavor.
By saschultz1@hotm...
Lansing, MI
on August 19, 2011
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The Leg-O-Lamb with Rosemary Au Jus was excellent! I worked with my daughter to prepare two legs for a family dinner; our only change was that we cooked the meat in a 18 quart roaster on our deck to avoid turning on the oven in our home during the heat. We opted for a risotto with a mix of porcini, shitake, and other mushrooms and a tossed salad only because we make the garlic mashed potatoes and grilled asparagus frequently. The recipe was a big success!
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