Slow-Roasted Mediterranean Lamb with Herb-Infused Yogurt Sauce

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

Tender slow-roasted lamb shoulder paired with a refreshing herb-infused yogurt sauce, bringing out authentic Mediterranean flavors in every bite. This mediterranean-inspired lamb (mediterranean herbs) ready in about 195 minutes blends lamb shoulder, extra virgin olive oil, minced garlic cloves 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 550 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 550 cal/serving
Plan a meal with the AI → Shop this recipe on Instacart → Shop equipment ↓

Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 300°F. Rub 3 lbs lamb shoulder all over with 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil, 5 minced garlic cloves, 2 tbsp chopped fresh rosemary, 1 tbsp chopped fresh thyme, 2 tsp sea salt, and 1 tsp freshly ground black pepper to coat evenly. Place lamb in a roasting pan.
  2. Step 2: Roast lamb uncovered for 3 hours, basting every hour with the pan juices, until the meat is fork-tender and pulling away from the bone.
  3. Step 3: While the lamb roasts, prepare the herb yogurt sauce. In a bowl, combine 1 cup plain Greek yogurt, 2 tbsp finely chopped fresh mint leaves, 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice, 1/2 grated and drained cucumber, and 1/2 tsp ground cumin. Stir until smooth and refrigerate until serving.
  4. Step 4: Once the lamb is done, let it rest for 15 minutes before slicing. Serve the lamb slices drizzled with the chilled herb-infused yogurt sauce.

Equipment for this recipe

Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.

More Knives & cutting boards → Shop all kitchen tools →

Frequently asked questions

How long does Slow-Roasted Mediterranean Lamb with Herb-Infused Yogurt 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-Infused Yogurt 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-Infused Yogurt 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-Infused Yogurt 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-Infused Yogurt 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.

Related recipes