Kashmiri Style Leg of Lamb: Aromatic Indian-Inspired Roast

This Indian Kashmiri Style Leg of Lamb is a delightful way to prepare lamb that will transform your dining experience. Your kitchen will be filled with aromatic spices as this fragrant lamb roasts to perfection. Best of all, while it tastes like you spent countless hours crafting a gourmet meal, this dish requires surprisingly little active preparation time.

The secret lies in the overnight marination, where a blend of exotic spices, tangy yogurt, and crunchy nuts infuses the lamb with incredible depth of flavor. When your guests take their first bite of this tender, succulent lamb with its complex flavor profile, they’ll be convinced you’ve become a gourmet chef overnight!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Impressive presentation perfect for special occasions and dinner parties
• Make-ahead convenience – most of the work happens during marination
• Unique flavor profile combining warm spices, nuts, and honey
• Melt-in-your-mouth texture from the long, slow cooking process
• Exotic taste that transports you to Kashmir without leaving your kitchen

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Lamb:

• 5-pound leg of lamb – The star of the dish, becomes remarkably tender through marination and slow roasting

For the Spice Blend:

• 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice – Adds brightness and helps tenderize the meat
• 1 tablespoon peeled, grated fresh ginger – Provides warmth and aromatic quality
• 4 garlic cloves, crushed in a press – Creates a foundational savory base
• 1 teaspoon salt – Enhances all the other flavors
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin – Contributes earthy, warm notes
• 1 teaspoon turmeric – Adds golden color and subtle flavor
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon – Brings sweet-spicy warmth
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cardamom – Offers distinctive floral and spicy notes
• 1/2 teaspoon pure chili powder – Provides gentle heat
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves – Adds deep, aromatic sweetness

For the Yogurt Sauce:

• 1 cup plain yogurt (not fat-free) – Creates a creamy marinade that tenderizes the meat
• 2 tablespoons blanched slivered almonds – Adds texture and nutty flavor
• 2 tablespoons chopped pistachios – Brings color and another dimension of nuttiness
• 1 tablespoon ground turmeric – Enhances color and provides earthy undertones
• 1 tablespoon honey – Balances the spices with subtle sweetness

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Lamb

1. Remove any excess fat from the leg of lamb.
2. Using the point of a sharp knife, make deep slits all over the leg.
3. Place the prepared lamb in a large non-reactive dish (glass or ceramic works best).

Create the Spice Mixture

1. In a small bowl, combine lemon juice, grated ginger, crushed garlic, salt, cumin, turmeric, cinnamon, cardamom, chili powder, and ground cloves.
2. Mix thoroughly until a paste forms.
3. Rub this spice mixture all over the lamb, making sure to press it into the slits you created.

Make the Yogurt Sauce

1. In a food processor or blender, thoroughly blend the yogurt, slivered almonds, chopped pistachios, and turmeric until smooth.
2. Spread this yogurt mixture evenly over the lamb, covering it completely.
3. Drizzle the honey over the coated lamb.

Marinate

1. Cover the dish with plastic wrap or a lid.
2. Refrigerate for 24 hours, turning the lamb occasionally to ensure even marination.

Roast the Lamb

1. Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C).
2. Transfer the marinated lamb to a roasting pan.
3. Cover the pan with aluminum foil.
4. Roast at 450°F for 30 minutes.
5. Reduce the oven temperature to 350°F (175°C).
6. Continue cooking for approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes, or until the lamb is meltingly tender.
7. Uncover the lamb for the last 15 minutes of cooking if you want a more caramelized exterior.

Serve

• If desired, collect the pan juices to serve alongside the lamb.
• Remove from the oven and let rest for 10-15 minutes before carving.
• Serve warm or at room temperature.

Love lamb? Try these recipes!

• Lamb Stew
• Pan Seared Lamb Chops

More oven-roasted meat to make for dinner

• Beef Tenderloin Roast
• Chicken Leg Quarters
• Corned Beef Roast
• Eye of Round Roast
• Garlic and Rosemary Pork Loin
• Honey Baked Ham
• NY Strip Roast
• Oven Brisket
• Perfect Roast Beef
• Ribeye Roast
• Roast Chicken

Check out more of the best meat recipes here on CopyKat!