Serves 6
Ingredients:
- 2kg boneless leg of lamb, butterflied at room temperature
- 4 cloves garlic, halved
- ¼ cup sherry vinegar
- 2 tbsp honey
- ¼ cup firmly packed brown sugar
- 1 tbsp tomato paste
- 2 tsp smoked paprika
- Lemon wedges, to serve
For the mojo verde:
- 1 long green chilli, seeds removed and chopped
- Parsley and coriander leaves, 1 cup each
- 1 small clove garlic
- 2 tbsp sherry vinegar
- 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
Method:
- Preheat oven to 180°C (160°C fan forced). Using a small knife, cut 8 x 2cm-deep incisions into the lamb. Press the halved garlic clove into each one.
- Place the lamb in a deep roasting tray. Combine the vinegar, honey, sugar, tomato paste and paprika. Rub over the lamb, add 1½ cups water to the base of the pan. Cover with baking paper and foil and roast for 4 hours. Remove the foil and roast for a further 30 minutes, or until the lamb is golden and tender.
- Meanwhile, to make the mojo verde, combine green chilli, parsley, coriander, garlic and vinegar in a small blender or food processor; blend until smooth. Add the oil and blend to combine. Season with salt and pepper and serve with lemon wedges.
To freeze:
Lamb can be frozen whole, or shredded. Place in an airtight container or freezer bag and freeze for 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator for 1-2 hours. Pour the pan juices into a small container and freeze separately. These are perfect to use when reheating the lamb to maintain moisture and add flavour.
To reheat:
For whole leg of lamb, place in a large baking tray with ½ cup water. Cover with foil and place in an oven preheated to 160°C (140°C fan forced) for 30 minutes or until heated through. For shredded lamb, reheat in the microwave (heating on high for 1-2-minute intervals, stirring until heated through). Or reheat in a small baking tray, covered with foil in a preheated 160°C (140°C fan forced) oven for 20 minutes, until heated through.
Smart Tip:
Mojo verde can be frozen in small airtight containers for 8 weeks. Cover with a thin layer of olive oil to avoid the sauce discolouring/keep its vibrant green colour. Thaw in the refrigerator and use within 2 days.
Use this slow-cooked lamb and mojo verde as the master recipe for irresistible lamb and manchego croquettes, or spiced lamb pancakes. Click images below for recipes:
Lamb & Manchego Croquettes with Mojo Verde
Spiced Lamb Pancakes with Labne & Pickled Chilli
