Stuffed Leg of Lamb

Elevate your culinary skills and impress your guests with a mouthwatering Stuffed Leg of Lamb that’s sure to steal the show at your next dinner party. This impressive dish features a tender boneless leg of lamb stuffed with flavorful spinach, creamy goat cheese, and aromatic pine nuts, all seasoned to perfection and roasted to juicy perfection. Whether you’re hosting a special occasion or simply craving a gourmet meal, this recipe is guaranteed to satisfy your cravings and leave a lasting impression. Join us as we dive into the details of this exquisite dish and uncover the secrets to making it a masterpiece every time!

Ingredients:

• 1 (5 pound) boneless leg of lamb
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• 1 (10 ounce) bag fresh spinach leaves
• 6 ounces goat cheese, or more if needed
• 2 teaspoons pine nuts
• Kitchen twine
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon salt
• 1 tablespoon ground black pepper
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon fennel seeds
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Begin by preparing the stuffing. In a large skillet over medium heat, wilt the spinach leaves until they are just wilted. Remove from heat and allow to cool slightly.
3. Once cooled, squeeze out any excess moisture from the spinach and transfer it to a mixing bowl. Add the goat cheese and pine nuts to the bowl and mix until well combined.
4. Lay the boneless leg of lamb flat on a clean work surface. Season both sides with salt and black pepper to taste.
5. Spread the spinach and goat cheese mixture evenly over the surface of the lamb.
6. Carefully roll up the lamb, ensuring that the stuffing is securely enclosed inside. Use kitchen twine to tie the lamb at regular intervals to hold its shape.
7. In a small bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, salt, ground black pepper, dried thyme, and fennel seeds.
8. Rub the sesame oil over the surface of the rolled lamb, then sprinkle the flour mixture evenly over the lamb, coating it completely.
9. Place the lamb in a roasting pan and transfer it to the preheated oven.
10. Roast the lamb for approximately 1 ½ to 2 hours, or until the internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C) for medium-rare or 160°F (71°C) for medium, as measured with a meat thermometer.
11. Once cooked to your desired doneness, remove the lamb from the oven and allow it to rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing.

Cook Notes and Variations:

• Herb Infusion: Add extra flavor to the stuffing mixture by incorporating fresh herbs such as rosemary, thyme, or parsley.
• Nutty Crunch: Substitute the pine nuts with chopped almonds, walnuts, or pecans for added texture and flavor.
• Fruity Twist: For a touch of sweetness, mix in dried fruit such as cranberries, apricots, or figs to the stuffing mixture.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):

Q: Can I use bone-in leg of lamb for this recipe? A: While boneless leg of lamb is recommended for ease of stuffing and slicing, you can certainly use a bone-in leg of lamb if preferred. Simply butterfly the leg of lamb to create a flat surface for stuffing.

Q: Can I prepare the stuffed lamb ahead of time? A: Yes, you can assemble the stuffed leg of lamb up to one day in advance. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate until ready to roast. Bring it to room temperature before roasting for best results.

Q: Can I make this recipe gluten-free? A: Yes, you can use gluten-free flour or a combination of almond flour and cornstarch in place of all-purpose flour for coating the lamb.

Q: What side dishes pair well with stuffed leg of lamb? A: Stuffed leg of lamb pairs beautifully with roasted vegetables such as potatoes, carrots, and Brussels sprouts. A fresh green salad and crusty bread are also excellent accompaniments.

Q: How do I carve a stuffed leg of lamb? A: To carve the stuffed leg of lamb, remove the kitchen twine and slice it into thick, even slices using a sharp carving knife.

Keto Versions and Low Carb Versions:

• Keto Version: To make a keto-friendly version of this dish, omit the flour coating and use almond flour or coconut flour in the stuffing mixture. Ensure the goat cheese is low in carbs or use a keto-friendly cheese alternative. Serve with a side of roasted low-carb vegetables or a crisp salad for a complete keto meal.
• Low Carb Version: Similarly, for a low-carb version, follow the keto substitutions mentioned above and choose low-carb vegetables such as cauliflower, broccoli, or green beans for the stuffing mixture. Skip the flour coating altogether or use a low-carb alternative such as almond flour mixed with a pinch of salt and pepper.

Stuffed Leg of Lamb is a show-stopping dish that’s perfect for special occasions, holiday gatherings, or any time you want to impress your guests with a gourmet meal. With its tender, juicy lamb and flavorful spinach and goat cheese stuffing, this dish is sure to become a new favorite in your recipe repertoire. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a novice cook, you’ll love how easy it is to create this impressive dish at home. So why not treat yourself and your loved ones to the exquisite flavors of Stuffed Leg of Lamb tonight? Your taste buds will thank you!