Istrian-Style Roasted Lamb with Wild Rosemary and Garlic

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

Juicy lamb roast seasoned with wild rosemary and garlic, evoking the rustic flavors of Istria's countryside. This mediterranean-inspired lamb (mediterranean) ready in about 125 minutes pairs lamb shoulder roast, 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: 105 min Serves 6 Mediterranean cuisine 480 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Using a sharp knife, make small incisions all over the 3-pound lamb shoulder roast and insert 6 sliced garlic cloves and pieces of 4 fresh rosemary sprigs into the slits.
  2. Step 2: Rub the entire surface of the lamb with 4 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil, 2 teaspoons sea salt, and 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, ensuring an even coating.
  3. Step 3: Place the lamb roast on a roasting rack inside a roasting pan. Pour 1/2 cup dry white wine into the pan to keep the meat moist during cooking.
  4. Step 4: Roast the lamb in the preheated oven for approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes, basting every 30 minutes with the pan juices, until the internal temperature reaches 145°F (medium-rare).
  5. Step 5: Remove from oven and let the lamb rest for 15 minutes before slicing. Serve with pan drippings spooned over the slices for extra flavor.

Frequently asked questions

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

Total time is about 125 minutes (20 min prep + 105 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 Wild 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 lamb shoulder roast from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Istrian-Style Roasted Lamb with Wild 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 Wild 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 Wild 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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