Slow-Roasted Mediterranean Lamb with Herb and Garlic Sauce

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

Tender lamb slow-roasted with aromatic Mediterranean herbs and served with a vibrant garlic herb sauce, perfect for a comforting dinner. This mediterranean-inspired lamb (mediterranean) ready in about 195 minutes blends bone-in leg of lamb, olive oil, chopped fresh rosemary into a versatile sauce that lifts everything from grain bowls and roasted vegetables to grilled proteins — a small-batch staple worth keeping in the fridge. Each serving lands at about 420 calories and feeds 6, so a small batch covers several meals across the week without taking over the fridge. 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: 15 min Cook: 180 min Serves 6 Mediterranean cuisine 420 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 325°F. Rub 3 lbs bone-in leg of lamb with 3 tbsp olive oil, 2 tbsp chopped fresh rosemary, 1 tbsp chopped fresh thyme, 6 minced garlic cloves, 1 tbsp sea salt, and 1 tsp freshly ground black pepper, coating evenly.
  2. Step 2: Place the lamb on a roasting rack in a roasting pan and roast in the oven for 2.5 to 3 hours until the internal temperature reaches 135°F for medium-rare, turning the pan halfway through.
  3. Step 3: While the lamb rests, combine 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt, 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley, 2 tbsp lemon juice, and a pinch of salt in a bowl; mix until smooth and set aside.
  4. Step 4: Let the lamb rest for 15 minutes after roasting; then slice thinly and serve with the garlic herb yogurt sauce drizzled over.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Slow-Roasted Mediterranean Lamb with Herb and Garlic Sauce take to make?

Total time is about 195 minutes (15 min prep + 180 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.

How do I store leftover Slow-Roasted Mediterranean Lamb with Herb and Garlic Sauce?

Transfer to an airtight jar and refrigerate for up to 5–7 days. Most sauces freeze well for up to 2 months — portion into small containers or freezer bags so you can thaw only what you need. Stir before serving; cream- or yogurt-based sauces may separate on standing.

Can I substitute ingredients in Slow-Roasted Mediterranean Lamb with Herb and Garlic Sauce?

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 Slow-Roasted Mediterranean Lamb with Herb and Garlic Sauce 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 Slow-Roasted Mediterranean Lamb with Herb and Garlic Sauce?

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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