This is indeed an excellent way to serve lamb. In addition, the different thicknesses mean that some of the meat will be rarer and some a little more done, allowing everyone’s taste to be satisfied. You may use one of Leslie’s marinades or another of your own choice perhaps one of the others included in this collection.
Yield:
Serves 2 to 3 per pound.Ingredients
1 whole leg of lamb (as close to tubular and as far from triangular as possible), boned to make a single flat piece
Choice of Yogurt -Orange or Mixed-Herb marinades (recipes below)
Instructions
Place marinade of choice in a large baking dish, and marinate the boned lamb in the refrigerator for 12 to 24 hours. Let it come to room temperature, then take it out of the marinade and wipe it dry. (If the surface is damp, it won’t sear properly.)
Prepare the grill. The coals should be red-hot with a coating of ash. Pare a piece of fat from the meat, impale it on a long fork, and rub it over the grill. Place the flattened lamb on the grill and sear it for 2 or 3 minutes on each side. Raise the grill 4 or 5 inches, using bricks if necessary to get the desired height. Continue to cook the meat for 5 to 8 minutes more on each side, basting with the marinade. Judge for doneness as for steak — the lamb should be nice and pink inside. This lamb can also be broiled; broil on a preheated pan 4 to 8 inches from heat — just as if using a grill.
Yogurt-Orange Marinade
Ingredients
2 cups plain yogurt
1 onion, finely minced
Juice of 1 orange
3 cloves garlic, crushed
1 tablespoon orange marmalade
2 teaspoons ground cumin
Instructions
The orange marmalade and cumin give this marinade a distinctive flavor; similar to that of some Mexican cooking.
Combine ingredients and use as marinade for lamb, chicken, or other meat. Makes 2-1/2 to 3 cups.
Mixed-Herb Marinade
Ingredients
1/2 cup olive oil
1/4 cup red wine vinegar
2 cloves garlic, crushed
1 carrot, chopped
1 onion, chopped
1 tablespoon snipped fresh marjoram or 1 teaspoon dried
Strip of lemon peel (1 by 2 inches)
1/2 teaspoon each peppercorns and sugar
3 whole cloves
2 bay leaves
Instructions
This is the more classic butterflied lamb marinade.
Combine ingredients and use as marinade for lamb, pork, chicken, or other meat. Makes about 1-1/2 cups.
