Balsamic-Marinated Leg of Lamb

Make this luscious leg of lamb recipe for a special weekend brunch or dinner. It's terrific for when you're craving something completely different.

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Prep Time:
20 mins
Additional Time:
10 hrs 15 mins
Total Time:
10 hrs 35 mins
Servings:
12
Yield:
12 servings

Nutrition Notes

Is Leg of Lamb Healthy?

Lamb is a red meat that is comparable to top sirloin steak as far as protein and fat go. According to the USDA, a 3 oz. serving of leg of lamb has 23 grams of protein and 10 grams of total fat. It's an excellent source of complete protein and also provides necessary vitamins and minerals, including B vitamins—and almost a whole day's worth of vitamin B12—iron and phosphorous, zinc and selenium.

Is Balsamic Vinegar Good for You?

Balsamic vinegar is rich in antioxidants. Including balsamic vinegar in your meals has been linked with several health benefits, including better digestion, reduced blood pressure and more stable blood sugar. You may even have glowing skin, as the antioxidants, acetic acid and antimicrobial compounds in balsamic vinegar may improve the skin's complexion over time.

Tips from the Test Kitchen

Can I Buy a Leg of Lamb Already De-Boned, Rolled and Tied?

Yes. Most supermarkets employ expert butchers who will gladly prepare the lamb for you. It's a good idea to call ahead for this service.

Can the Marinade Be Used for Other Meats?

Absolutely. If you have enough ingredients left over to make another batch of marinade, it's perfect for grilling meat, seafood, veggies and even tofu and tempeh.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Should I Serve with Balsamic-Marinated Leg of Lamb?

We love serving leg of lamb with rice, couscous or roasted potatoes, plus a green salad and/or a platter of mixed vegetables that includes asparagus, Broccolini and thin baby carrots. However, we say go with what you like—just about anything pairs well with a leg of lamb.

Additional reporting by Carrie Myers, M.S. and Linda Frahm

Ingredients

  • 1 (5 to 6 pound) leg of lamb, boned, rolled and tied

  • 4-6 cloves garlic, sliced

  • cup balsamic vinegar

  • ½ cup olive oil

  • 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard

  • 1 tablespoon sugar

  • 2 teaspoons dried basil, crushed, or 2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil

  • 4 cloves garlic, minced

  • 1 teaspoon salt

  • ½ teaspoon ground pepper

  • 4 Fresh mint or basil leaves

Directions

  1. Trim fat from lamb. With the tip of a knife, cut 1-inch-wide pockets into the lamb at 3-inch intervals; insert a slice of garlic into each of the pockets. Set aside.

  2. For marinade, combine balsamic vinegar, oil, mustard, sugar, basil, minced garlic, salt, and pepper in a small bowl. Place the leg of lamb in a large resealable plastic bag. Pour the marinade over the lamb. Seal the bag; turn to coat the lamb. Marinate in the refrigerator for at least eight hours or up to 24 hours, turning the bag occasionally. Drain and discard the marinade.

  3. Preheat oven to 325°F. Place the lamb on a rack in a foil-lined shallow roasting pan. Insert an ovenproof meat thermometer into the thickest portion of the leg. Roast until the desired doneness. Allow 2 to 2 1/2 hours for medium-rare doneness (140°F) or 2 1/2 to 3 hours for medium doneness (155°F). Cover and let stand for 15 minutes before carving. The temperature of the meat after standing should be 145°F for medium-rare doneness or 160°F for medium doneness. Remove strings. Thinly slice the lamb to serve. If desired, garnish with fresh mint or basil.

Originally appeared: Diabetic Living Magazine

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

188 Calories
8g Fat
1g Carbs
28g Protein
Nutrition Facts
Servings Per Recipe 12
Serving Size 4 ounces cooked meat
Calories 188
% Daily Value *
Total Carbohydrate 1g 0%
Total Sugars 0g
Protein 28g 56%
Total Fat 8g 10%
Saturated Fat 3g 14%
Cholesterol 87mg 29%
Vitamin A 1IU 0%
Vitamin C 0mg 0%
Sodium 126mg 5%
Calcium 11mg 1%
Iron 2mg 12%
Magnesium 30mg 7%
Potassium 450mg 10%

Nutrition information is calculated by a registered dietitian using an ingredient database but should be considered an estimate.

* Daily Values (DVs) are the recommended amounts of nutrients to consume each day. Percent Daily Value (%DV) found on nutrition labels tells you how much a serving of a particular food or recipe contributes to each of those total recommended amounts. Per the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the daily value is based on a standard 2,000 calorie diet. Depending on your calorie needs or if you have a health condition, you may need more or less of particular nutrients. (For example, it’s recommended that people following a heart-healthy diet eat less sodium on a daily basis compared to those following a standard diet.)

(-) Information is not currently available for this nutrient. If you are following a special diet for medical reasons, be sure to consult with your primary care provider or a registered dietitian to better understand your personal nutrition needs.

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