Mediterranean Herb-Roasted Lamb with Preserved Lemon and Olives

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Roasted lamb infused with fragrant Mediterranean herbs complemented by bright preserved lemon and briny olives for a regional feast. This mediterranean-inspired lamb (mediterranean) ready in about 125 minutes pairs pounds bone-in leg of lamb, chopped fresh rosemary, chopped fresh thyme for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 650 calories and feeds 8, 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 8 Mediterranean cuisine 650 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 375°F. In a small bowl, mix 3 tablespoons olive oil, 2 tablespoons chopped fresh rosemary, 1 tablespoon chopped fresh thyme, 6 minced garlic cloves, 2 teaspoons salt, and 1 teaspoon black pepper to create an herby paste.
  2. Step 2: Rub the 4-pound bone-in leg of lamb thoroughly with the herb and garlic paste, pressing it into the meat.
  3. Step 3: Place the lamb in a roasting pan and roast for 1 hour, then add 1/2 cup dry white wine, 1 cup pitted Kalamata olives, and thinly sliced rind of 1 preserved lemon around the lamb.
  4. Step 4: Continue roasting for an additional 30-45 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 135°F for medium-rare.
  5. Step 5: Remove lamb from oven and let rest for 15 minutes before slicing. Serve slices with the olives, preserved lemon, and pan juices for a fragrant Mediterranean regional dish.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Mediterranean Herb-Roasted Lamb with Preserved Lemon and Olives 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 Mediterranean Herb-Roasted Lamb with Preserved Lemon and Olives?

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 pounds bone-in leg of lamb from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Mediterranean Herb-Roasted Lamb with Preserved Lemon and Olives?

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 Mediterranean Herb-Roasted Lamb with Preserved Lemon and Olives for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 8 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 8). 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 Mediterranean Herb-Roasted Lamb with Preserved Lemon and Olives?

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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