Description
Succulent oven-roasted lamb shoulder dances with Mediterranean herbs, promising a culinary journey through rustic flavors. Tender meat infused with aromatic seasonings invites guests to savor each memorable bite, transporting you to sun-drenched countryside kitchens.
Ingredients
Scale
Lamb:
- 1 (4-5 pounds / 1.8-2.3 kilograms) lamb shoulder, bone-in
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme, chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh oregano, chopped
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
Seasoning and Liquid:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/2 cup white wine or broth
- 1 lemon, juiced
Herb Sauce:
- 1/2 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh mint, chopped
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Prepare a herb-infused marinade by blending minced garlic, olive oil, rosemary, thyme, oregano, salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, and lemon juice into a fragrant paste.
- Massage the aromatic mixture thoroughly over the entire lamb shoulder, ensuring complete and even coverage.
- Position the lamb in a roasting pan and gently pour white wine or broth around the meat to create a moisture-rich environment.
- Securely cover the pan with aluminum foil to trap heat and prevent moisture loss.
- Roast the lamb in a preheated 325F (165C) oven for approximately 3.5 to 4 hours, periodically basting to enhance tenderness and flavor.
- During the final 30 minutes, remove the foil to allow the exterior to caramelize and develop a golden, crispy exterior.
- Craft the herb sauce by whisking together fresh parsley, mint, minced garlic, olive oil, red wine vinegar, salt, and black pepper until well combined.
- Allow the roasted lamb to rest for 15 minutes, enabling the juices to redistribute throughout the meat.
- Slice the lamb and generously drizzle the vibrant herb sauce over the top before serving.
Notes
- Achieve maximum tenderness by selecting a well-marbled lamb shoulder with good fat content for rich, moist results.
- Marinate the lamb overnight in the herb mixture to intensify flavor penetration and create deeper, more complex taste profiles.
- For gluten-free adaptation, replace wine with additional broth and ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free.
- Reduce cooking time by 30-45 minutes when using a smaller cut of lamb, checking internal temperature reaches 145F for medium-rare doneness.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 hours
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 8
- Calories: 360 kcal
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 340 mg
- Fat: 27 g
- Saturated Fat: 11 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
- Trans Fat: 0.3 g
- Carbohydrates: 2 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 28 g
- Cholesterol: 95 mg