If spring is in the air you don’t want to be slaving over a hot oven, so make the most of seasonal lamb the easy way with this lazy roast
Prep:15 mins
Serves 8
1 large leg of lamb, about 3kg/6lb 8oz6 garlic cloves1 bunch oreganozest and juice 1 lemon6 tbsp olive oil1 ½kg new potatoes400g can chopped tomatolarge handful pitted baby kalamata olives
STEP 1Heat oven to 240C/fan 220C/gas 9. Pound the garlic, half the oregano, lemon zest and a pinch of salt in a pestle and mortar, then add the lemon juice and a drizzle of olive oil. Stab the lamb all over with a sharp knife, then push as much of the herb paste as you can into the holes.STEP 2Tip the potatoes into a large roasting tin, then toss in the remaining olive oil and any remaining herb paste. Nestle the lamb amongst the potatoes, roast for 20 mins, then reduce the temperature to 180C/fan 160C/gas 4. Roast for 1 hr 15 mins for medium-rare, adding another 15 mins if you prefer your lamb medium. Baste the lamb once or twice with the juices and toss the potatoes. When the lamb is done to your liking, remove from the tin and let it rest. Throw the rest of the oregano in with the potatoes, scoop from the tin and keep warm.STEP 3Place the roasting tin over a medium flame, add the canned tomatoes and olives to the pan juices, then simmer for a few mins. Serve the lamb with the potatoes and sauce and a simple salad.
