Cumin Scented Leg of Lamb

Try this spicy twist to Roast Leg of Lamb for your Easter Feast. Serve with Potatoes Savoyard, steamed asparagus and a fresh green salad. Serve this boned leg of lamb with its spicy crust with a sprinkle of Cumin Salt on top and a dollop of Mint Yogurt Sauce, or Tzatziki. Compliments of Best Summer Weekends Cookbook by Jane Rodmell, published by Cottage Life Books.

Ingredients

2-3 lbs. boned leg of lamb
1 tsp ground cumin
1/2 tsp cayenne
1 tsp coarsely ground black pepper
1 tsp salt
4 cloves garlic minced
1 tbsp best quality olive oil

Directions

Spread out boned leg of lamb, trim away excess fat or sinew, and pound lightly to flatten. Slash the thickest parts to make sure the pieces lie flat.

Combine the remaining ingredients in a small bowl to make a paste, and rub into lamb on all sides. Place, covered, in a shallow pan or heavy-duty plastic bag and marinate in the refrigerator several hours or overnight.

Remove lamb from refrigerator an hour before cooking. Place on a preheated grill over medium-high indirect heat with a drip pan underneath. Roast 30-40 minutes, turning once, for medium rare. Remove the meat when the internal temperature is just below 140 F (60 C) for rare: 150 F (65 C) for medium. Let rest 10 minutes before slicing.

QUICK TRICKS

Cumin Salt: To really bring out the flavour of grilled lamb, combine equal amounts of freshly toasted ground cumin seeds and sea salt and sprinkle on the meat before serving.

Mint Yogurt Sauce: Stir together 1 cup plain yogurt, 1/2 cup sour cream, 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice, 2 tbsp chopped fresh mint, and 1/4 tsp salt. Refrigerate to blend flavours; taste and adjust seasoning before serving.

Servings: Min: 6     Max: 8

Robert Lamont is the Director of Catering and Retail Operations at All The Best Fine Foods. Robert works closely with Jane Rodmell, the company's President, Executive Chef David Cousins and Mario Totaro, the Pastry Chef to bring All The Best clients the most exciting take out gourmet cuisine in Toronto. All The Best Fine Foods has been a leading gourmet food retailer in Toronto since it's inception over two decades ago. Using the freshest ingredients available and no fake flavourings All The Best is the destination for all your food and entertaining needs.