Family Feast

You’ll roast, you’ll braise, and you’ll grill to make lamb the centerpiece of your holiday table. You’ll find clear recipes for a herb-crusted leg, garlic-and-rosemary rack, braised shanks, Moroccan shoulder, and fast grilled chops, plus kebabs, a tagine, a crown roast, and a simple one-pan meal with root vegetables. Follow the step-by-step tips to time things, trim meat, and pair flavors so guests leave satisfied — and keep reading for the exact recipes. Herb-Crusted Roast Leg of Lamb Herb-Crusted Roast Leg of Lamb — a golden, fragrant centerpiece that’s easy to make and impressive to serve. Ingredients: 1 (5–6 lb) bone-in leg of lamb, trimmed 4 cloves garlic, minced 2 tbsp fresh rosemary, finely chopped 2 tbsp fresh thyme, leaves only, chopped 1/4 cup fresh flat-leaf parsley, chopped 2 tsp kosher salt 1 tsp freshly ground black pepper 2 tbsp Dijon mustard 1/4 cup olive oil Zest of 1 lemon 1/2 cup dry white wine or low-sodium chicken stock (optional, for pan jus) 1–2 tbsp olive oil for roasting How to Make: Take the lamb out of the fridge 30–45 minutes before cooking so it comes closer to room temperature. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Pat the leg of lamb dry with paper towels and rub with 1–2 tbsp olive oil; season all over with salt and pepper. In a small bowl, mix garlic, rosemary, thyme, parsley, lemon zest, Dijon mustard, and 1/4 cup olive oil into a loose paste. Rub the herb mixture evenly over the top and sides of the lamb, pressing so it adheres. Place lamb on a rack in a roasting pan, fat side up. Roast at 400°F (200°C) for 15 minutes to develop a crust. Reduce oven temperature to 350°F (175°C) and continue roasting until internal temperature reaches 125–130°F (52–54°C) for medium-rare or 135°F (57°C) for medium — about 15–20 minutes per pound. Use a meat thermometer in the thickest part without touching bone. Remove lamb from oven, tent loosely with foil, and rest for 15–20 minutes; the temperature will rise a few degrees while resting. Meanwhile, place the roasting pan over medium heat on the stovetop, add 1/2 cup wine or stock, scrape up browned bits, and simmer briefly to make a quick pan jus (optional). Slice the lamb against the grain and serve with the pan jus if using. Enjoy a slice of this aromatic, herb-crusted lamb — it’s festive, flavorful, and sure to please the crowd! Red Wine-Braised Lamb Shanks Slow-braised lamb shanks in rich red wine — melt-in-your-mouth comfort perfect for holiday evenings. Ingredients: 4 lamb shanks (about 1.5–2 lb / 700–900 g total) Salt and freshly ground black pepper 2 tablespoons olive oil 1 large onion, diced 2 carrots, peeled and chopped 2 celery stalks, chopped 4 cloves garlic, smashed 2 tablespoons tomato paste 2 cups (480 ml) dry red wine 2 cups (480 ml) beef or lamb stock 1 can (14 oz / 400 g) diced tomatoes (with juices) 2 sprigs fresh rosemary 3 sprigs fresh thyme 2 bay leaves Zest of 1 lemon (optional, for brightness) 1–2 tablespoons butter (optional, for finishing) Chopped parsley for garnish (optional) How to Make: Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C). Pat the shanks dry and season generously with salt and pepper. Heat the olive oil in a large, ovenproof Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Brown the shanks on all sides, 6–8 minutes total; transfer to a plate. Add the onion, carrots, and celery to the pot and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in the garlic and tomato paste and cook 1 minute until fragrant. Pour in the red wine, scrape up browned bits from the bottom, and simmer 3–4 minutes to reduce slightly. Add the stock, canned tomatoes with their juices, rosemary, thyme, and bay leaves; season lightly. Return the shanks to the pot so they’re partially submerged; bring to a gentle simmer on the stovetop. Cover the pot and transfer to the oven; braise until the meat is very tender and falling from the bone, about 2 to 2½ hours. Remove the pot from the oven; transfer the shanks to a platter and tent with foil. Skim excess fat from the surface of the sauce; simmer the sauce on the stove to reduce and thicken if needed, about 5–10 minutes. Stir in lemon zest and butter off the heat for a glossy finish; adjust seasoning with salt and pepper. Serve the shanks spooned with the rich red-wine sauce and garnish with chopped parsley. Enjoy — these braised lamb shanks make holiday dinner feel cozy and special. Garlic and Rosemary Rack of Lamb Garlic and Rosemary Rack of Lamb — a fragrant, elegant centerpiece perfect for holiday celebrations. Ingredients: 1 (about 1.5–2 lb) rack of lamb, frenched 4 cloves garlic, minced 2 tbsp fresh rosemary, finely chopped 1 tbsp fresh thyme, leaves only (optional) 2 tsp Dijon mustard 2 tbsp olive oil 1 tsp kosher salt 1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper 2 tbsp breadcrumbs or grated Parmesan (optional, for crust) 1 tbsp butter (optional, for basting) Lemon wedges, for serving How to Make: Remove lamb from fridge 30–60 minutes before cooking so it comes closer to room temperature. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Pat the rack dry with paper towels and trim excess fat if needed. In a small bowl, mix minced garlic, chopped rosemary, thyme (if using), Dijon, olive oil, salt, and pepper into a paste. Rub the garlic-rosemary mixture all over the meat side of the rack; press breadcrumbs or Parmesan onto the paste if you want a crust. Heat an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat and add a little oil; sear the rack, fat side down, until golden brown (about 2–3 minutes), then sear the other side briefly. If using butter, add it to the pan and baste the meat for 30 seconds to develop flavor. Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and roast until an instant-read thermometer inserted into the thickest part reads 125°F (52°C) for medium-rare, about 12–15 minutes (time will vary by size). Remove the lamb from the oven, tent loosely with foil, and let rest 10 minutes — carryover heat will bring it to about 130–135°F. Slice between the bones into individual chops, arrange on a platter, and serve with lemon wedges. Enjoy the aromatic, tender lamb — a simple showstopper for your holiday table! Moroccan-Spiced Lamb Shoulder Bright, aromatic lamb shoulder kissed with warm Moroccan spices and sweet citrus—comforting, festive, and impressive. Ingredients: 4–5 lb (1.8–2.3 kg) bone-in lamb shoulder 2 tbsp olive oil 1 large onion, thinly sliced 4 garlic cloves, minced 1 tbsp ground cumin 1 tbsp ground coriander 2 tsp smoked paprika 1 tsp ground cinnamon 1 tsp ground ginger (or 1 tbsp fresh grated) 1/2 tsp ground turmeric 1/2–1 tsp cayenne or harissa (optional, to taste) Zest and juice of 1 orange (or 1 lemon if preferred) 2 tbsp honey or pomegranate molasses 1 cup low-sodium chicken or lamb stock 1 cup canned diced tomatoes (optional for a saucier roast) Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste 2 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro or parsley, plus more for garnish 1/3 cup toasted slivered almonds or chopped pistachios (optional) 1 preserved lemon, rinsed and chopped, or 1 tbsp lemon zest (optional, for bright tang) How to Make: Preheat the oven to 325°F (160°C). Pat the lamb shoulder dry and season well with salt and pepper. In a small bowl, mix the cumin, coriander, paprika, cinnamon, ginger, turmeric, and cayenne or harissa. Rub 1 tbsp olive oil over the lamb, then massage the spice mix all over the meat. Let it rest 15–30 minutes (or refrigerate overnight for deeper flavor). Heat the remaining 1 tbsp olive oil in a large ovenproof pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Brown the lamb on all sides, about 4–5 minutes per side. Transfer the lamb to a plate. Reduce heat to medium. Add the sliced onion and a pinch of salt; cook until softened, 6–8 minutes. Add the garlic and cook 30 seconds more. Stir in orange zest and juice, honey (or pomegranate molasses), stock, and diced tomatoes if using. Scrape up any browned bits from the pot. Return the lamb to the pot, nestling it into the sauce. Add chopped preserved lemon if using. Bring to a gentle simmer. Cover the pot and transfer to the oven. Roast for 2½–3 hours, until the lamb is very tender and pulls apart easily. Remove the lamb to a cutting board and let rest 10 minutes. Meanwhile, skim fat from the sauce and simmer the sauce on the stove to reduce if you like it thicker, then adjust seasoning. Shred or slice the lamb, spoon the sauce over, and scatter chopped cilantro and toasted nuts on top. Serve with couscous, roasted vegetables, or warm flatbreads—this fragrant Moroccan-spiced lamb will steal the show. Lemon and Mint Grilled Lamb Chops Bright, zesty lamb chops with fresh mint—perfect for a quick, festive grill. Ingredients: 8 lamb rib or loin chops (about 1–1.5 pounds) 2 lemons (zest and juice) 2 tablespoons olive oil 2 tablespoons fresh mint, finely chopped 2 garlic cloves, minced 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard (optional) 1 teaspoon honey or sugar (optional, balances acidity) 1 teaspoon kosher salt (adjust to taste) 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional) Extra lemon wedges and a few mint sprigs for serving How to Make: Pat the lamb chops dry with paper towels so the marinade sticks better. In a bowl, combine lemon zest, lemon juice, olive oil, chopped mint, minced garlic, Dijon, honey, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes; whisk briefly. Place the chops in a shallow dish or a zip-top bag and pour the marinade over them; turn to coat thoroughly. Marinate in the refrigerator for 30 minutes to 2 hours — no longer than 4 hours so the lemon doesn’t begin to “cook” the meat. Remove chops from the fridge 20 minutes before grilling to come closer to room temperature. Preheat grill to medium-high and oil the grates to prevent sticking. Grill the chops 3–4 minutes per side for medium-rare (internal temp about 135°F/57°C), or longer to your preferred doneness. Transfer chops to a plate, tent loosely with foil, and rest for 5 minutes to let juices redistribute. Serve with lemon wedges and extra mint sprigs for brightness. Enjoy these bright, minty lamb chops hot off the grill — they’re simple, fresh, and irresistibly delicious! Pistachio-Crusted Lamb Loin A crunchy, herby pistachio crust gives tender lamb loin a festive, elegant finish. Ingredients: 1 1/2 to 2 lb lamb loin, trimmed and tied (or two 3/4–1 lb loins) 1 cup shelled pistachios 1/2 cup fresh breadcrumbs (or panko) 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, finely chopped 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves 2 teaspoons lemon zest 2 cloves garlic, minced 2 tablespoons olive oil, plus extra for drizzling Salt and freshly ground black pepper 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional) 1 tablespoon butter (optional, for finishing) How to Make: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Pat lamb dry and season all over with salt and pepper. Pulse pistachios in a food processor until coarsely chopped — don’t over-process into a paste. In a bowl, combine chopped pistachios, breadcrumbs, parsley, rosemary, thyme, lemon zest, garlic, and red pepper flakes. Stir in 2 tablespoons olive oil and a pinch of salt to make a slightly damp crumb mixture. Heat an ovenproof skillet over medium-high heat with a drizzle of olive oil. Sear the lamb on all sides until nicely browned, about 2 minutes per side. Remove skillet from heat. Brush the top and sides of the seared lamb with Dijon mustard. Press the pistachio mixture firmly onto the mustard-coated surface to form an even crust. Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and roast until the internal temperature reaches 125–130°F (52–54°C) for medium-rare, about 12–18 minutes depending on thickness. Remove lamb from oven and transfer to a cutting board. Tent loosely with foil and rest for 10 minutes — it will continue to cook a bit. If desired, spoon a little butter over the crust during resting for extra sheen and flavor. Slice lamb into medallions and serve with pan juices or your favorite sauce. Enjoy that gorgeous crunch and rich, tender lamb — perfect for a holiday centerpiece! Slow-Roasted Lamb With Balsamic Glaze Slow-roasted lamb glazed with sweet-tangy balsamic — elegant, cozy, and perfect for a holiday centerpiece. Ingredients: 4–5 lb bone-in leg of lamb (or boneless rolled leg) 2 tbsp olive oil 6 cloves garlic, minced 2 tbsp fresh rosemary, chopped (or 2 tsp dried) 1 tbsp fresh thyme leaves (or 1 tsp dried) Zest of 1 lemon 1 tsp kosher salt (adjust to taste) 1 tsp black pepper 1 cup low-sodium chicken or beef stock 1/2 cup balsamic vinegar 2 tbsp honey or maple syrup 1 tbsp Dijon mustard Optional: 1 shallot, finely chopped (for glaze) Optional: fresh rosemary sprigs for garnish How to Make: Preheat oven to 325°F (160°C). Pat the lamb dry with paper towels and place on a rack in a roasting pan. Mix olive oil, minced garlic, chopped rosemary, thyme, lemon zest, salt, and pepper into a paste. Rub the herb paste all over the lamb, pressing it into the surface. Pour the stock into the roasting pan (not over the lamb) to keep the drippings from burning. Roast the lamb uncovered for about 20–25 minutes per pound, until an instant-read thermometer reads 130°F–135°F for medium-rare (or 140°F–145°F for medium). While the lamb roasts, make the balsamic glaze: in a small saucepan, combine balsamic vinegar, honey (or maple), Dijon, and shallot if using. Simmer over medium-low heat until reduced by about half and syrupy, about 8–12 minutes. Taste and adjust sweetness or acidity. In the last 15 minutes of roasting, brush the lamb with half the glaze, return to oven, then brush again once more until a shiny, caramelized coat forms. Remove the lamb from the oven and transfer to a cutting board. Tent loosely with foil and rest for 15–20 minutes to let juices redistribute. Slice the lamb against the grain, drizzle with any reserved glaze and pan juices, garnish with rosemary sprigs, and serve. Enjoy — tender, savory lamb with a glossy balsamic finish that’ll steal the show at your holiday table! Greek-Style Stuffed Leg of Lamb A tender leg of lamb rolled around bright, herbaceous filling — Greek flavors meet holiday flair. Ingredients: 1 boneless leg of lamb, butterflied (about 4–5 lb) 1 cup fresh spinach, chopped 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese 1/2 cup breadcrumbs 1/4 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and chopped 2 garlic cloves, minced 2 tbsp fresh mint, chopped 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped 1 tsp dried oregano Zest of 1 lemon 2 tbsp olive oil (plus extra for drizzling) Salt and freshly ground black pepper Kitchen twine for tying 1 cup dry white wine or chicken broth (optional, for roasting pan) How to Make: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lay the butterflied leg of lamb flat on a cutting board and season lightly with salt and pepper. In a bowl, combine spinach, feta, breadcrumbs, olives, garlic, mint, parsley, oregano, lemon zest, 2 tbsp olive oil, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Mix until well combined. Spread the filling evenly over the lamb, leaving a small border at the edges. Roll the lamb tightly into a log and tie at 1–2 inch intervals with kitchen twine to secure the filling. Rub the outside of the tied lamb with a little olive oil and season generously with salt, pepper, and a sprinkle of dried oregano. Place the rolled lamb on a rack in a roasting pan; pour the wine or broth into the pan if using to keep drippings moist. Roast in the preheated oven until an instant-read thermometer reads 135°F (57°C) for medium-rare — about 1 to 1¼ hours depending on size — or cook to your preferred doneness. Remove from oven, tent with foil, and let rest for 15 minutes before slicing to keep juices sealed in. Slice into thick rounds, arrange on a platter, and drizzle any pan juices over the top. Serve with roasted potatoes, lemony greens, or crusty bread — a festive centerpiece with bright Greek flavors everyone will love. Honey-Soy Glazed Baby Lamb Ribs Sweet, sticky baby lamb ribs with a caramelized honey-soy glaze—perfect for holidays or any cozy feast. Ingredients: 2 lbs baby lamb ribs, membrane removed 1 tsp kosher salt 1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper 2 tbsp vegetable oil 1/4 cup honey 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce 2 tbsp rice vinegar (or apple cider vinegar) 1 tbsp brown sugar 2 cloves garlic, minced 1 tsp fresh ginger, grated 1/4 tsp chili flakes (optional, for a touch of heat) 1 tbsp sesame oil 2 green onions, thinly sliced (for garnish) 1 tsp toasted sesame seeds (for garnish) How to Make: Pat the lamb ribs dry and season both sides with salt and pepper. Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C). Heat vegetable oil in a large ovenproof skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the ribs 2–3 minutes per side until nicely browned; work in batches if needed. Meanwhile, whisk together honey, soy sauce, rice vinegar, brown sugar, garlic, ginger, chili flakes, and sesame oil in a bowl. Pour the glaze over the seared ribs in the skillet, spooning some over the top. Cover the skillet tightly with foil or a lid and transfer to the oven. Roast for 1.5–2 hours until the ribs are tender and pulling from the bone. Remove foil, brush ribs with more glaze, and set oven to broil. Broil 3–5 minutes, watching closely, until the glaze caramelizes and becomes sticky. Let the ribs rest 5 minutes, then sprinkle with green onions and sesame seeds. Slice between bones and serve hot with extra glaze on the side. Enjoy these glossy, flavorful ribs that’ll disappear fast—get ready for second helpings! Middle Eastern Lamb and Apricot Tagine A warm, fragrant tagine of tender lamb and sweet apricots — comfort with a sunny, spice-kissed twist. Ingredients: 2 lbs (900 g) boneless lamb shoulder or leg, cut into 1½-inch cubes 2 tbsp olive oil 1 large onion, finely chopped 3 garlic cloves, minced 1 tsp ground ginger 1 tsp ground cumin 1 tsp ground coriander ½ tsp ground cinnamon ½ tsp smoked or sweet paprika ¼ tsp ground turmeric (optional) Salt and black pepper, to taste 1 cup (240 ml) low-sodium chicken or beef broth 1 cup (150 g) dried apricots, halved 2 tbsp honey 1 tbsp tomato paste Zest and juice of 1 orange (or 1 tbsp orange juice + zest) 1 bay leaf 1 tbsp lemon juice (to finish) Fresh cilantro or flat-leaf parsley, chopped, for garnish ¼ cup toasted slivered almonds (optional), for garnish Cooked couscous, rice, or crusty bread, for serving How to Make: Pat the lamb dry and season with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a heavy pot or tagine over medium-high heat. Brown the lamb in batches until nicely seared on all sides; remove and set aside. Add the onion to the pot and sauté until soft and translucent, about 5–7 minutes. Stir in the garlic, ginger, cumin, coriander, cinnamon, paprika, and turmeric; cook 1 minute until fragrant. Return the lamb to the pot, add tomato paste, and stir to coat the meat with spices. Pour in the broth, orange zest and juice, and add the bay leaf; bring to a gentle simmer. Cover, reduce heat to low, and cook until lamb is tender, about 1 to 1¼ hours (or transfer to a 325°F/160°C oven for 1–1¼ hours). Stir in the apricots and honey, simmer uncovered for another 10–15 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly and apricots are plump. Finish with lemon juice, adjust salt and pepper to taste, and discard the bay leaf. Serve the tagine over couscous or rice, sprinkle with chopped cilantro/parsley and toasted almonds if using. Enjoy a spoonful of sweet-and-spicy comfort — this lamb and apricot tagine is perfect for cozy gatherings and festive dinners. Pistachio and Pomegranate Lamb Kebabs A festive, crunchy-sweet lamb kebab brightened with pomegranate and toasted pistachios. Ingredients: 1 1/2 pounds lamb leg or shoulder, cut into 1–1.5-inch cubes 3/4 cup shelled pistachios, lightly toasted and roughly chopped 3/4 cup pomegranate arils (seeds), plus extra for garnish 3 tablespoons olive oil 2 tablespoons plain Greek yogurt 2 tablespoons lemon juice 2 teaspoons pomegranate molasses (or substitute 1 tsp extra lemon + 1 tsp honey) 3 garlic cloves, minced 1 teaspoon ground cumin 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (or regular paprika) 1 teaspoon kosher salt 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped Wooden or metal skewers (if using wooden, soak 30 minutes) How to Make: In a bowl, whisk olive oil, yogurt, lemon juice, pomegranate molasses, minced garlic, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper to make the marinade. Add lamb cubes to the marinade, toss to coat, cover, and refrigerate at least 1 hour or up to 6 hours. Preheat grill or broiler to medium-high heat; if grilling, oil the grates. Thread marinated lamb onto skewers, leaving a little space between pieces for even cooking. Combine chopped toasted pistachios and chopped parsley on a plate for coating. Grill or broil skewers 3–4 minutes per side for medium-rare to medium, turning once; cook a bit longer if you prefer well done. In the last minute of cooking, brush kebabs lightly with any leftover marinade (discard any marinade that touched raw meat) and press the pistachio-parsley mixture onto the hot lamb so it sticks. Remove kebabs from heat and let rest 3–5 minutes. Sprinkle with pomegranate arils and a little extra chopped parsley before serving. Serve these colorful, crunchy pistachio and pomegranate lamb kebabs hot and watch them disappear! Dijon and Herb-Crusted Lamb Crown Roast A showstopping Dijon and herb‑crusted lamb crown roast that’s impressive enough for guests but easy enough to enjoy making. Ingredients: 1 crown roast of lamb (about 5–7 lbs), frenched 2 tbsp Dijon mustard 3 tbsp olive oil 3 cloves garlic, minced 2 tbsp fresh rosemary, finely chopped 2 tbsp fresh thyme, leaves only, chopped 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped 1 tsp kosher salt 1/2 tsp black pepper 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (preferably fresh or panko) 1 lemon, zested and juiced Kitchen twine and optional roasting rack How to Make: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Let the crown roast sit at room temperature 30 minutes. Pat the lamb dry and tie the ribs together with kitchen twine to form the crown if not already tied. In a small bowl, mix Dijon, olive oil, minced garlic, rosemary, thyme, parsley, lemon zest and juice, salt, and pepper until combined. Stir in the breadcrumbs to create a spreadable paste; add a little more oil if too dry. Spread the Dijon‑herb mixture evenly over the exposed meat surfaces, pressing gently so it adheres. Place the crown roast bone‑side down on a roasting rack in a pan. Tuck any loose bones or cloth with foil to prevent burning. Roast at 400°F for 15 minutes to sear, then reduce oven to 350°F (175°C) and continue roasting until internal temperature reaches 125°F (51°C) for medium‑rare, about 20–25 more minutes per pound (check with a meat thermometer). If the crust is getting too dark, loosely tent with foil for the last part of cooking. Remove roast from oven and let rest, tented, 15 minutes; carryover will bring temperature to medium‑rare (about 130–135°F). Cut the twine, slice between the ribs into individual chops or serve the crown whole for a dramatic centerpiece. Enjoy slicing into that fragrant, golden crust and serving tender, juicy lamb that looks as good as it tastes — bon appétit! One-Pan Roasted Lamb With Root Vegetables One-pan roasted lamb with sweet, caramelized root vegetables — cozy holiday comfort with minimal fuss. Ingredients: 3–4 lb boneless leg of lamb, trimmed and tied 2 tbsp olive oil 2 tsp kosher salt 1 tsp freshly ground black pepper 1 tbsp fresh rosemary, chopped (or 1 tsp dried) 1 tbsp fresh thyme leaves (or 1 tsp dried) 3 garlic cloves, minced Zest of 1 lemon 1 tbsp Dijon mustard 1 lb carrots, peeled and cut into 1–1½ inch pieces 1 lb parsnips, peeled and cut into similar-size pieces (or use sweet potatoes) 1 large red onion, cut into wedges 1 lb baby potatoes or Yukon golds, halved 2 tbsp olive oil (for vegetables) 1/2 cup low-sodium chicken or beef broth 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar (optional, for finishing) Fresh rosemary sprigs for garnish (optional) How to Make: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Pat the lamb dry with paper towels. In a small bowl mix 2 tbsp olive oil, salt, pepper, chopped rosemary, thyme, minced garlic, lemon zest, and Dijon mustard to form a paste. Rub the paste all over the lamb, making sure to coat evenly. Toss carrots, parsnips, potatoes, and onion with 2 tbsp olive oil and a pinch of salt and pepper. Spread the vegetables in a single layer on a large roasting pan or rimmed baking sheet. Place the lamb on top of the vegetables in the center of the pan. Pour the 1/2 cup broth into the pan around the vegetables (not over the lamb) to keep things moist. Roast in the preheated oven for about 20 minutes, then reduce heat to 375°F (190°C) and continue roasting until an instant-read thermometer reads 125–130°F for medium-rare or 135–140°F for medium, about 40–60 more minutes depending on size. Every 20 minutes, baste the lamb with pan juices and toss the vegetables so they brown evenly. When the lamb reaches desired doneness, remove the pan from oven and transfer the lamb to a cutting board. Tent loosely with foil and let rest for 10–15 minutes. If you like, stir 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar into the pan juices and spoon over the rested lamb. Slice the lamb and serve with the roasted vegetables, garnishing with rosemary sprigs. Enjoy a juicy slice of holiday lamb with sweet, caramelized roots — simple, satisfying, and ready to impress. Conclusion You’ve got a great set of lamb ideas that’ll make the table feel special without a lot of fuss. Pick one recipe, prep the key flavors, and cook with steady attention to time and temperature. Let the meat rest before carving, and pair it with a bright side and simple sauce. If something doesn’t go perfectly, treat it like a learning moment — you’ll still serve a warm, satisfying meal and get better next time.

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