Best Recipe for Olive-Stuffed Leg of Lamb
Ingredients
- 1 shallot, chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, chopped
- 1/2 cup pine nuts
- 1/2 cup pitted Kalamata olives
- 1/4 cup drained oil-packed anchovies
- 1/4 cup finely grated lemon zest
- 1/4 cup mint leaves
- 1/4 cup parsley leaves
- 2 tablespoons thyme leaves
- 1/2 cup olive oil, plus more
- Kosher salt, freshly ground pepper
- 0 freshly ground pepper
- 1 3–4 pound piece butterflied boneless leg of lamb
- 2 cups soft sheep's-milk cheese or goat cheese
- 1 garlic clove, finely grated
- 2 teaspoons finely grated lemon zest
- 1/2 teaspoon thyme leaves
- 1/2 cup plus 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Kosher salt, freshly ground pepper
- 0 freshly ground pepper
- 1 bunch watercress, trimmed
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- Flatbread (for serving)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 425°. Finely chop shallot, garlic, nuts, olives, anchovies, lemon zest, mint, parsley, and thyme in a food processor. With motor running, stream in 1/2 cup oil; process until blended. Season stuffing with salt and pepper.
- Unfold lamb on a cutting board and season with salt and pepper. Spread stuffing over top; roll up lamb from left to right. Position seam side down and tie closed with kitchen twine at 1 1/2" intervals crosswise, then once lengthwise. Transfer to a wire rack set inside a rimmed baking sheet; drizzle with oil.
- Roast until lamb is starting to brown, 30–40 minutes. Reduce temperature to 325° and continue to roast until a thermometer inserted into thickest part registers 125°, 35–45 minutes longer. Remove lamb from oven and tent with foil; let rest 15–20 minutes.
- Do ahead: Lamb can be stuffed and tied 1 day ahead; cover and chill. Bring to room temperature before roasting.
- Assembly: While lamb rests, process cheese, garlic, lemon zest, and thyme in food processor until light, fluffy, and smooth. With motor running, stream in 1/2 cup oil; process until blended. Season herbed cheese with salt and pepper. Dress watercress in a large bowl with lemon juice and remaining 1 tablespoon oil; season with salt and pepper. Slice lamb and serve with watercress, herbed cheese, and flatbread.
- While lamb rests, process cheese, garlic, lemon zest, and thyme in food processor until light, fluffy, and smooth. With motor running, stream in 1/2 cup oil; process until blended. Season herbed cheese with salt and pepper.
- Dress watercress in a large bowl with lemon juice and remaining 1 tablespoon oil; season with salt and pepper. Slice lamb and serve with watercress, herbed cheese, and flatbread.
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