Leg of Lamb in a Spicy Marinade brings the magic of Indian cooking right to your kitchen. I fell in love with this recipe during a cooking class in Mumbai, and now it’s my go-to dish for family gatherings. The mix of spices creates deep flavors, while the yogurt helps keep the meat tender and juicy. Don’t worry if you don’t have a tandoor – your oven works just fine.
About the Recipe
This recipe takes a simple leg of lamb and turns it into something special. The marinade combines classic Indian spices with yogurt and raw papaya paste, which help tenderize the meat. The two-step cooking process ensures the meat stays juicy while developing a beautiful outer crust. It’s the kind of dish that fills your kitchen with amazing aromas and makes everyone ask for seconds.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
You’ll love how the spices create layers of flavor without being overwhelming. The meat comes out tender and juicy every time, thanks to the yogurt marinade. While it might look fancy, the steps are simple to follow. The best part? You can prep it ahead of time – perfect for entertaining. The leftovers (if any.) taste even better the next day as the flavors keep developing.
Leg of Lamb in a Spicy Marinade
Cooking Tips
– Let the meat come to room temperature before cooking
– Don’t skip the pricking step – it helps the marinade penetrate
– If using an oven, preheat it thoroughly
– Rest the meat for 10-15 minutes before slicing
– Keep basting regularly for a nice, crispy exterior
Serving and Storing Suggestions
Serves 6-8 people. Total prep time: 5 hours (including marination). Serve hot with naan bread, mint chutney, and sliced onions. Leftovers keep well in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently to maintain moisture.
Similar Recipes
- 1. Tandoori Chicken
- 2. Spicy Roast Mutton
- 3. Masala Lamb Chops
Nutrient Benefits
Lamb is rich in protein, iron, and vitamin B12. The spices offer anti-inflammatory benefits, while yogurt adds calcium and probiotics. Ginger and garlic boost immunity, and the chilies speed up metabolism. It’s a nutritious main dish that’s both healthy and satisfying.
Leg of Lamb in a Spicy Marinade
Ingredients
- 1 1/4 kg Leg of Lamb
For the Marinade:
- 1 tbsp Ginger Paste
- 1 tbsp Garlic Paste
- 1/2 cup Malt Vinegar
- Salt to taste
- 7 tsp Red Chilli Powder
- 7 tsp Yellow Chilli Powder
- 1 1/2 tsp Raw Papaya Paste
- 1 tsp Cloves (powdered)
- 5 tsp Cinnamon (powdered)
- 3/4 cup Yogurt (hung)
- 5 tbsp Butter for Basting
- 4 tbsp Onion Seed Paste
- 1 tbsp Brown Onion Paste
- 1/2 cup Yogurt
- 4 tsp Red Chilli Paste
- 7 tsp Garam Masala
- 3/4 cup Refined Oil
Instructions
- Prick lamb leg all over with a fork.
- For the marinade, whisk all the ingredients together.
- Rub over the leg and keep aside for 4 hours.
- Skewer lamb leg and cook in a tandoor for 15 to 20 minutes, basting with butter occasionally.
- Alternatively, bake in a very hot oven till the juices are sealed and meat is lightly coloured.
- Take lamb leg off the skewer and place on a roasting tray.
- Mix onion seed paste, onion paste, yoghurt, red chilli paste, and garam masala together.
- Rub into the lamb.
- Cover in an oven or on a hot plate for 35 to 40 minutes.
- Remove from oven.
- Serve hot with naan.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Can I marinate the lamb longer than 4 hours?
Yes. You can marinate it overnight in the fridge. This gives even better results as the spices have more time to work their magic.
What if I don’t have all the spices?
Focus on the key spices: garam masala, red chili powder, and ginger-garlic paste. The others are nice but not crucial for a tasty result.
Can I use a different cut of lamb?
While leg is traditional, you can use lamb shoulder or even chops. Just adjust cooking time based on the cut’s thickness.
