Istrian-Style Roasted Lamb with Rosemary and Garlic

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Succulent lamb roast infused with fresh rosemary and garlic, reflecting the rustic flavors of the Istrian countryside. This mediterranean-inspired lamb (mediterranean) ready in about 110 minutes pairs bone-in lamb leg, fresh rosemary sprigs, garlic cloves, sliced for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 480 calories and feeds 6, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 20 min Cook: 90 min Serves 6 Mediterranean cuisine 480 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 375°F. Using a sharp knife, make small incisions all over the 3-pound bone-in lamb leg and insert 6 sliced garlic cloves and the leaves from 4 rosemary sprigs into the slits.
  2. Step 2: Rub the entire lamb leg with 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil, 2 tsp sea salt, and 1 tsp black pepper evenly to coat.
  3. Step 3: Place the lamb in a roasting pan and pour 1/2 cup dry white wine around it. Roast uncovered for 1 hour 30 minutes, basting occasionally with pan juices, until the internal temperature reaches 135°F for medium-rare.
  4. Step 4: Remove from oven and let rest for 15 minutes before slicing. Serve drizzled with the pan juices.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Istrian-Style Roasted Lamb with Rosemary and Garlic take to make?

Total time is about 110 minutes (20 min prep + 90 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Istrian-Style Roasted Lamb with Rosemary and Garlic?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep bone-in lamb leg from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Istrian-Style Roasted Lamb with Rosemary and Garlic?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Istrian-Style Roasted Lamb with Rosemary and Garlic for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 6 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 6). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Istrian-Style Roasted Lamb with Rosemary and Garlic?

Mediterranean lamb like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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