Best 9 Yogurt Marinated Leg Of Lamb Recipes

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Yogurt marinated leg of lamb is a succulent and flavorful dish that combines the tanginess of yogurt with the richness of lamb. This cooking method is a great way to tenderize the lamb and infuse it with a delightful blend of spices and herbs. Whether you're preparing it for a special occasion or a cozy family dinner, this dish is sure to impress with its juicy texture and aromatic flavors.

Let's cook with our recipes!

YOGURT-MARINATED ROAST LEG OF LAMB



Yogurt-Marinated Roast Leg of Lamb image

A tangy yogurt-herb marinade tenderizes this leg of lamb, then browns in the oven to add flavor to the drippings. Top with chunky Almond Relish for a dramatic dish worthy of a holiday feast or special occasion. (Plan ahead: Chef Berglund recommends two days of marination.)

Provided by Paul Berglund

Categories     main-dish

Time P2DT4h

Yield 8 servings

Number Of Ingredients 12

1 4-inch piece ginger, about ¼ cup chopped
4 cloves garlic
1 yellow onion
1 bunch parsley, divided
1 bunch cilantro, divided
1 quart whole-milk yogurt
2 tablespoons kosher salt
1 bone-in leg of lamb, 5?7 pounds
1 cup whole almonds, toasted, oven-toasted at 350 degrees F for 8?10 minutes
1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil
Juice of 2 lemons
Kosher salt

Steps:

  • Marinade: Use a spoon to peel the ginger. Peel garlic and onion. Roughly chop onion and ginger, followed by half of the parsley and cilantro, including stems. In a blender, add the ginger, onion, garlic, herbs, ⅓ of the yogurt, and salt. Purée until smooth. Add the remaining yogurt and purée again to combine. Set aside.
  • Lamb: Place lamb on a flat surface. Use a sharp knife to poke holes in the lamb at 1½-inch intervals; this will help the lamb absorb the marinade. Flip over and repeat on the other side. Fit a brining bag into a large container (or the roasting pan you'll be using, if it fits in the refrigerator). Then place the lamb into the bag and pour in the marinade. Massage the marinade into the lamb so all of the meat is covered, then seal the bag. Refrigerate for 1-2 days (longer marination will yield more tenderized lamb).
  • Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Transfer the lamb and all of the marinade into a roasting pan. Lay parchment paper over the lamb to cover, then cover the roasting pan tightly with aluminum foil. Roast for 1 hour. (Total roasting time will be 3 hours.)
  • After 1 hour, remove lamb from oven. Gently remove foil and parchment. (The yogurt will have separated into curds and whey, which is normal.) Use tongs to flip the lamb over, then cover with parchment and foil again. Place back into the oven for 1 hour. After the second hour of roasting, flip the lamb again and place back into the oven, uncovered, for 1 final hour.
  • After a total of 3 hours of roasting, remove lamb. Pierce the lamb with a sharp knife to check for doneness. If there isn't a lot of resistance, it's done. Flip lamb over, spoon yogurt solids on top, and let rest, 30 minutes.
  • Almond Relish: Roughly chop the almonds, place in a medium bowl, and set aside. Pick the leaves off the remaining cilantro and parsley, bunch together, and finely chop. Add herbs to the almonds. Add enough olive oil to cover, about ½ cup, and mix. Juice 3 of the 4 lemon halves into the relish, mix, and add salt to taste. Use the juice of the remaining lemon half to taste.
  • Assembly: Use tongs and a meat fork to transfer lamb to a serving platter. Spoon relish over the lamb, and serve.

GRILLED YOGURT-MARINATED LEG OF LAMB



Grilled Yogurt-Marinated Leg of Lamb image

Provided by Bon Appétit Test Kitchen

Categories     Lamb     Marinate     Easter     Yogurt     Father's Day     Backyard BBQ     Dinner     Spring     Summer     Grill     Grill/Barbecue     Bon Appétit     Sugar Conscious     Wheat/Gluten-Free     Peanut Free     Tree Nut Free     Soy Free     No Sugar Added

Yield Makes 8 servings

Number Of Ingredients 9

2 cups whole-milk yogurt, divided
1 teaspoon plus 3 1/2 tablespoons Tabil Spice Blend
5 large garlic cloves, minced, divided
1 teaspoon kosher salt plus more for seasoning
1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper plus more for seasoning
1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
1 4-5 pound butterflied leg of lamb, opened like a book
4 lemons, halved

Steps:

  • Mix 1 cup yogurt, 1 teaspoon Tabil Spice Blend, and 1 minced garlic clove in a small bowl. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Cover and chill. Whisk remaining 1 cup yogurt, remaining 3 1/2 tablespoons Tabil Spice Blend, 4 minced garlic cloves, 1 tsp. salt, 1 teaspoon pepper, oil, and lemon juice in a large bowl. Add lamb; turn to coat. Cover and chill overnight, turning occasionally.
  • Prepare grill to medium-high heat. Season lamb with salt and pepper. Grill until meat is cooked to desired doneness, 10-15 minutes per side for medium-rare. Let rest 10 minutes. Meanwhile, grill lemon halves, cut side down, until charred, about 5 minutes. Thinly slice lamb against the grain and arrange on a platter; garnish with lemons. Serve with reserved yogurt sauce.

YOGURT-MARINATED LEG OF LAMB WITH CARDAMOM AND ORANGE



Yogurt-Marinated Leg of Lamb With Cardamom and Orange image

This wet-roasted leg of lamb doesn't contain a ton of liquid - this is about roasting, not braising, and if you add enough liquid to a cut of meat, you're not roasting any more. Instead, the lamb is moistened with a yogurt-based marinade laced with fresh mint, orange zest and cardamom. The yogurt keeps the surface of the lamb from drying out and - if you let the lamb sit for a while after you've smeared it with the marinade (and you should) - it permeates the meat a bit with the flavors of the marinade. This needs no accompaniment, but if you're in the mood for some heat, a dab of harissa wouldn't be out of place. Don't know how to carve a lamb? Mark Bittman shows you how in this video.

Provided by Mark Bittman

Categories     dinner, roasts, main course

Time 3h

Yield 6 to 8 servings

Number Of Ingredients 7

1 5-to-7-pound leg of lamb, preferably at room temperature, shank removed if necessary
1/2 cup whole-milk yogurt
1/4 cup chopped fresh mint, plus more for garnish
2 tablespoons orange zest
2 teaspoons ground cardamom
1 teaspoon salt, or to taste
2 teaspoons freshly ground black pepper

Steps:

  • Heat the oven to 425º. Remove as much of the surface fat as is practical from the lamb. Mix together the yogurt, mint, orange zest, cardamom, salt and pepper; rub the meat all over with the yogurt mixture. If you have time, let the lamb sit for an hour or more (refrigerate if it will be much longer).
  • Put the lamb on a rack in a roasting pan. (You might line the pan first with aluminum foil to make cleanup easier.) Roast for 30 minutes, then check; if the lamb threatens to burn, turn the heat down to 350º; otherwise leave it at 425º.
  • After about 1 hour (total) of roasting, check the internal temperature of the lamb with an instant-read thermometer. Continue to check every 10 minutes; when it reaches 130 for medium rare (125 for very rare) in its thickest part (check it in several places), it's done. Total cooking time will be less than 1 1/2 hours. Let it rest for a few minutes before carving. Serve garnished with more chopped mint.

Nutrition Facts : @context http, Calories 568, UnsaturatedFat 19 grams, Carbohydrate 2 grams, Fat 39 grams, Fiber 0 grams, Protein 50 grams, SaturatedFat 17 grams, Sodium 449 milligrams, Sugar 1 gram

YOGURT-AND-HERB-CRUSTED LEG OF LAMB



Yogurt-and-Herb-Crusted Leg of Lamb image

In this hearty dish, a piquant yogurt sauce not only offsets the robustness of the lamb, but also helps bind the citrusy herbed breadcrumbs. What pops out of the oven: tender, juicy meat with an irresistibly crisp coating.

Provided by Martha Stewart

Categories     Food & Cooking     Ingredients     Meat & Poultry     Lamb Recipes

Time 2h10m

Number Of Ingredients 9

2/3 cup extra-virgin olive oil
3 tablespoons minced garlic (from 6 cloves)
Coarse salt
4 teaspoons lemon zest and 2 tablespoons fresh juice (from 2 lemons), plus wedges for serving
1 1/2 cups fresh flat-leaf parsley leaves
1 1/2 cups panko breadcrumbs
1 1/2 cups plain Greek yogurt
2 tablespoons grainy mustard
1 boneless leg of lamb (4 1/2 pounds), trimmed of silver skin and butterflied

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 450 degrees with one rack in top third and one in bottom third. Set a wire rack in a foil-lined rimmed baking sheet. In a saucepan, combine oil, garlic, and 1 1/2 teaspoons salt; cook over medium until fragrant, 3 to 5 minutes. Transfer to a food processor and process with zest and parsley until a coarse paste forms. Transfer to a bowl; stir in breadcrumbs and lemon juice. In another bowl, whisk together yogurt and mustard; season with salt.
  • Place lamb, skin-side down, on a work surface and pound with a mallet to an even thickness of about 1 1/4 inches. Arrange loose ends to create a rough rectangle; season with salt. Spread 1/2 cup yogurt mixture evenly over surface, then half of breadcrumb mixture. Starting at ragged short end, tightly roll lamb into a cylinder. Tie with kitchen twine at 2-inch intervals; insert 2 skewers crosswise through lamb to help hold shape, if desired. Transfer to prepared baking sheet; season all over with salt.
  • Increase oven heat to broil; broil lamb on top rack, flipping halfway through, until fat is golden brown, about 2 minutes a side. Reduce temperature to 450 degrees and roast 20 minutes. Remove from oven; reduce temperature to 400 degrees. Remove twine from lamb, leaving skewers in place. Spread remaining yogurt mixture thickly over top and sides of lamb. Press remaining breadcrumb mixture into yogurt. Roast on bottom rack until a thermometer inserted in thickest part of lamb registers 135 degrees for medium-rare, 40 to 60 minutes more, depending on diameter of roll. Transfer to a cutting board and let stand 20 minutes before carving with a very sharp knife. Serve, with lemon wedges.

SPICED ROAST LAMB



Spiced roast lamb image

An Indian-inspired yogurt marinade with cumin, turmeric, chilli and fennel works beautifully with a joint of succulent meat

Provided by Jane Hornby

Categories     Dinner, Main course

Time 2h

Number Of Ingredients 11

2kg leg of lamb
150g natural whole-milk yogurt
1 thumb-sized piece ginger , finely grated
3 large garlic cloves , crushed
1 tbsp tomato purée
juice ½ lime
1 tsp ground cumin
1 tsp turmeric
1 tsp crushed chilli flakes
1 tsp fennel seed , lightly crushed
handful coriander , finely chopped

Steps:

  • Stir together the marinade ingredients and season with ½ tsp ground black pepper and 1½ tsp flaky salt. Slash the lamb several times on both sides, then massage the marinade all over it. Seal into a large food bag or non-metallic container and chill overnight (or at least for a few hrs). Let the lamb sit at room temperature for 1 hr before roasting.
  • Heat oven to 220C/200C fan/gas 7. Put the lamb into a foil-lined roasting tin and roast for 20 mins. Turn the oven down to 190C/170C fan/gas 5 and roast for 1 hr 20 mins for meat that's pink near the bone. Cover loosely with foil halfway through cooking or once the marinade has charred and the meat looks golden.
  • Leave the lamb to rest for 20 mins before carving, then serve with lentil & tomato and cucumber salads (see related recipes).

Nutrition Facts : Calories 417 calories, Fat 24 grams fat, SaturatedFat 10 grams saturated fat, Carbohydrate 3 grams carbohydrates, Sugar 2 grams sugar, Protein 48 grams protein, Sodium 0.8 milligram of sodium

YOGURT-MARINATED LEG OF LAMB



Yogurt-Marinated Leg of Lamb image

I was looking for an easy yet different way to make Leg of Lamb for Easter dinner this year. I found this recipe at Rachael Ray's web site. The lamb turned out tender and very delicious. Served it with rosemary roasted potatoes and veggie sides. The recipes says serves 6 but we had plenty left over that I made Gyros for dinner the next night.

Provided by Paintpuddles

Categories     Lamb/Sheep

Time 1h40m

Yield 6 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 6

2 cups Greek yogurt
1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
1/2 cup of fresh mint, chopped
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon pepper
5 lbs leg of lamb, bone-in

Steps:

  • 1. In a 2-gallon resealable plastic bag, combine the yogurt, olive oil, mint, 1 teaspoon salt and 1/2 teaspoon pepper. Add the lamb, turning to coat evenly, and refrigerate for 24 hours.
  • 2. Preheat the oven to 350°. Place the lamb fat side up in a roasting pan and roast until an instant-read thermometer inserted into the center registers 145° for medium rare, about 1 1/2 hours. Let rest for 15 minutes before slicing.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 843.1, Fat 60, SaturatedFat 23.2, Cholesterol 253.3, Sodium 605.6, Carbohydrate 0.8, Fiber 0.6, Protein 70.5

BUTTERFLIED LEG OF LAMB MARINATED IN YOGURT AND MINT



Butterflied Leg of Lamb Marinated in Yogurt and Mint image

Provided by Food Network

Categories     main-dish

Time 6h45m

Yield 6 servings

Number Of Ingredients 14

1 cup plain yogurt
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
1 tablespoon olive oil
4 scallions, finely chopped
3 large garlic cloves, minced, plus 1 large clove garlic
1/4 cup chopped fresh mint
2 tablespoons chopped fresh thyme
Grated zest of 1 lemon
1 tablespoon cracked black pepper
Salt to taste
1 (4 to 5 pound) butterflied leg of lamb
Vegetable oil cooking spray
1/3 cup extra-virgin olive oil
1 large clove garlic, crushed

Steps:

  • Combine the yogurt, lemon juice, olive oil, scallions, minced garlic, mint, thyme, lemon zest, pepper, and salt in a large bowl and stir to mix. Rub the garlic clove over both sides of the lamb and put the lamb in a shallow glass or ceramic dish. Pour the marinade over the meat and turn it several times to coat. Cover and refrigerate for 4 to 6 hours. About 30 minutes before grilling, remove the meat from the refrigerator and let it come to room temperature.
  • Prepare a charcoal or gas grill arranging the coals for indirect cooking. Lightly spray the grill rack with vegetable oil cooking spray. The coals should be hot. Lift the lamb from the marinade, scrape off the excess marinade, and season both sides with salt and pepper. Discard the marinade. Combine the oil and crushed garlic in a small bowl for brushing on the meat.
  • Sear the lamb over the hot coals for about 5 minutes on each side, brushing with the olive oil and garlic mixture several times; continue brushing the lamb with the remaining olive oil and garlic mixture during the first 20 minutes of grilling. Move the lamb to the cooler part of the grill, cover, and cook for about 10 minutes. Turn the meat over, cover, and cook for 10 to 15 minutes longer for medium-rare meat, or until cooked to desired doneness. An instant-read thermometer inserted in the thickest part of the meat should register 140 degrees for rare meat and 145 to 150 degrees for medium-rare. Let the lamb rest for about 10 minutes before slicing.

YOGURT MARINATED LEG OF LAMB - NORTH AFRICA



Yogurt Marinated Leg of Lamb - North Africa image

Make and share this Yogurt Marinated Leg of Lamb - North Africa recipe from Food.com.

Provided by Mme M

Categories     Lamb/Sheep

Time P2DT30m

Yield 6 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 10

3 -4 lbs leg of lamb, partly boned
2 lemons, juice of
salt
pepper
2 teaspoons cumin seeds
1 teaspoon coriander seed
1 teaspoon black peppercorns
2 cloves
1 cinnamon stick, short
15 ounces unsweetened plain yogurt

Steps:

  • Two days before you cook the lamb outside on the BBQ, make a 'butterfly cut' along the bone, or ask the butcher to do it!
  • Place the butterfly-cut leg of lamb in a close fitting container, pour the lemon juice over the top and sprinkle with a little salt. Cover and chill for 24 hours.
  • The next day, toast (dry-fry) the spices in a small pan over low heat for 2 - 3 minutes, stirring until you smell the heavy aroma. Grind as finely as possible in a food processor or spice mill, and place in a bowl.
  • Add the yogurt and mix thoroughly to make the marinade.
  • Remove the meat from the container and wipe any juices from the base. Spoon in half the marinade, then lay the lamb down onto this. Cover with the remaining marinade, ensuring that all the meat has marinade on it.
  • Chill for a further 24 hours.
  • Return to room temperature at least 2 hours before cooking.
  • Light the BBQ an hour before cooking.
  • Brush the marinade off the lamb, and discard it.
  • Sprinkle the outside of the meat with a little seasoning (salt, pepper, new spices), and lay on the grill, seasoned side down, about 8 - 10 inches from the coals.
  • Leave untouched to cook for 15 minutes.
  • Season the upper surface of the lamb before turning. Cook this side for 15 minutes.
  • Remove and set aside for 10 minutes, to seal in all the juices.
  • Carve across the grain in thick slices.
  • Serve with a warm chickpea salad or a couscous salad, and slices of cucumber, tomato and salad greens.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 510.8, Fat 33.4, SaturatedFat 14.8, Cholesterol 161.9, Sodium 166, Carbohydrate 5.5, Fiber 0.4, Sugar 4, Protein 45.1

BOMBAY LEG OF LAMB WITH YOGURT AND LIME



Bombay Leg Of Lamb With Yogurt And Lime image

This recipe came to The Times when Amanda Hesser wrote about Rozanne Gold, the author of "Recipes 1-2-3," and her three-ingredient cooking. The bare-bones marinade here really lets the lamb shine, so make sure to get quality meat. Ms. Gold proves that with fewer ingredients, shopping becomes less painful, and cooking times and techniques tend to be simpler.

Provided by Amanda Hesser

Categories     dinner, weekday, main course

Time 25m

Yield 4 servings

Number Of Ingredients 5

1 2-pound boned leg of lamb, butterflied
1 cup plain low-fat yogurt
2 large limes
Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
1/4 teaspoon kosher salt

Steps:

  • In a large nonreactive bowl, combine lamb and yogurt. Grate zest of 1 lime, and squeeze the juice of 2 limes (you will have approximately 1/4 cup). Add to bowl with freshly ground black pepper and the salt. Mix well so that lamb is thoroughly coated with yogurt marinade. Cover, and refrigerate for 6 to 8 hours. Turn once or twice during the marinating period.
  • Preheat the broiler. Remove lamb from the marinade. Place lamb in a heavy baking pan. Place marinade in a small pot.
  • Broil lamb on each side for 6 to 8 minutes. It should be 150 degrees on a meat thermometer for rare; 160 degrees for medium-rare. Meanwhile, warm marinade over low heat, whisking constantly; do not let boil. Remove lamb from oven. Let rest 5 minutes. Slice thinly, and serve with marinade (if curdled, pour through a fine strainer).

Nutrition Facts : @context http, Calories 423, UnsaturatedFat 13 grams, Carbohydrate 9 grams, Fat 27 grams, Fiber 1 gram, Protein 36 grams, SaturatedFat 12 grams, Sodium 262 milligrams, Sugar 5 grams

Tips:

  • Choose the right cut of lamb: A leg of lamb is a large, flavorful cut of meat that is perfect for roasting. Look for a leg of lamb that is evenly marbled with fat and has a good amount of meat on the bone.
  • Use a yogurt marinade: Yogurt is a great way to tenderize and flavor lamb. The lactic acid in yogurt helps to break down the proteins in the meat, making it more tender. The yogurt also helps to add flavor and moisture to the lamb.
  • Marinate the lamb for at least 8 hours: The longer you marinate the lamb, the more tender and flavorful it will be. If you don't have time to marinate the lamb for 8 hours, you can marinate it for as little as 30 minutes, but the longer you marinate it, the better.
  • Roast the lamb at a high temperature: Roasting the lamb at a high temperature helps to create a crispy crust and a juicy interior. Roast the lamb at 450 degrees Fahrenheit for 20 minutes, then reduce the heat to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and continue roasting for 1 hour and 15 minutes, or until the lamb reaches an internal temperature of 145 degrees Fahrenheit for medium-rare, 155 degrees Fahrenheit for medium, or 165 degrees Fahrenheit for well-done.
  • Let the lamb rest before carving: Let the lamb rest for at least 10 minutes before carving. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, making it more tender and flavorful.

Conclusion:

Yogurt-marinated leg of lamb is a delicious and easy-to-make dish that is perfect for a special occasion dinner. The yogurt marinade helps to tenderize and flavor the lamb, and the roasting process creates a crispy crust and a juicy interior. Serve the lamb with your favorite sides, such as roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or rice.

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