Indian Kashmiri Style Leg of Lamb
This Indian Kashmiri Style Leg of Lamb involves a deep marination of a 5-pound leg of lamb with a bold blend of spices including cumin, turmeric, cinnamon, and cardamom, followed by a yogurt marinade enriched with nuts and honey. The meat is slit to allow the marinade to penetrate deeply, roasting to a meltingly tender texture. The marination and slow roasting develop layers of spice flavor and tender, juicy meat suitable for warm or room temperature serving.
Ingredients
- 5 pound leg of lamb
Spice Blend
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice fresh
- 1 tablespoon ginger fresh, peeled, grated
- 4 garlic garlic cloves crushed in a press
- 1 teaspoons salt
- 1 teaspoons cumin ground
- 1 teaspoons Turmeric
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon cardamom ground
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder pure
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
Yogurt Marinade
- 1 cup PLAIN yogurt fat-free is not recommended
- 2 tablespoons almonds blanched, slivered
- 2 tablespoons pistachios chopped
- 1 tablespoons Turmeric ground
- 1 tablespoon honey
Instructions
- Prepare the lamb: Remove any excess fat from the lamb. Using the point of a sharp knife, make deep slits all over the leg. Place the lamb in a large non-reactive dish.
- Prepare the lamb rub: Combine all the spice blend ingredients in a small bowl. Rub over the lamb, pressing it into the slits.
- Marinate the lamb: In a food processor or blender, thoroughly blend the yogurt, nuts, and turmeric. Spread over the lamb. Drizzle the honey over the lamb, cover, and marinate for 1 day in the refrigerator, turning occasionally.
- Roast the lamb: Preheat the oven to 450°F. Transfer the lamb to a roasting pan, cover (aluminum foil is fine), and cook for 30 minutes. Reduce the oven temperature to 350°F and cook for 1 3/4 hours more, or until meltingly tender. Uncover and serve warm or at room temperature.
Notes
- Select a leg of lamb with good marbling to enhance tenderness and flavor.
- Make deep slits all over the lamb to help the marinade penetrate thoroughly.
- Allow a full 24-hour marination in the refrigerator, turning occasionally for even flavor.
- Use a meat thermometer aiming for 130-135°F (55-57°C) after resting for medium-rare doneness.
- Rest the lamb before carving to ensure juices redistribute and the meat stays moist.
Nutrition Information
Nutrition Facts
Serving: 8 Serving
Amount Per Serving
Calories 289
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 289kcal | 14% |
| Carbohydrates | 6g | 2% |
| Protein | 38g | 76% |
| Fat | 11g | 17% |
| Saturated Fat | 3g | 15% |
| Cholesterol | 118mg | 39% |
| Sodium | 419mg | 17% |
| Potassium | 632mg | 13% |
| Fiber | 0g | 0% |
| Sugar | 3g | 6% |
| Vitamin A | 75IU | 2% |
| Vitamin C | 2.1mg | 2% |
| Calcium | 60mg | 6% |
| Iron | 4mg | 22% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.