Mint and Pistachio Stuffed Leg of Lamb

Serves 6-8

Main MealSpecial MealIrish/English/Scottish Inspired

Ingredients:

  • 2 cups fresh mint leaves
  • 2 cups fresh flat-leaf parsley leaves
  • 1 cup unsalted roasted pistachio nuts
  • 2 garlic cloves
  • 1 1/2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
  • 1/2 cup plus 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
  • Coarse salt and freshly ground pepper
  • 1 six- to seven-pound leg of lamb, trimmed of excess fat and butterflied (about 2 inches thick)
  • 1 cup homemade or low-sodium canned chicken stock

Directions:

  • Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Place mint, parsley, pistachios, garlic, and lemon juice in the bowl of a food processor fitted with the metal blade. Pulse to combine. With machine running, add 1/2 cup olive oil through the feed tube; process until smooth. Season with salt and pepper. Step 1
  • Lay lamb flat on a clean work surface. Spread mint mixture evenly over lamb, leaving a 1-inch border all around. Starting at the narrow end, roll lamb into a tight log; tie well with kitchen twine. Step 2
  • Heat remaining tablespoon olive oil in a cast-iron skillet over medium heat. Place lamb in pan, and cook until browned on all sides, 7 to 10 minutes. Place in oven; roast until meat thermometer registers 140 degrees when inserted in the center, about 1 hour 10 minutes. Transfer lamb to a platter or cutting board, and let rest 15 minutes. Step 3
  • Meanwhile, make pan sauce: Pour off fat from skillet. Add stock, and deglaze pan by scraping up any browned bits with a wooden spoon. Simmer until liquid is slightly thickened, about 5 minutes. Remove from heat, and serve with stuffed lamb. Step 4