Go Back
Grilled Leg of Lamb with Herb Pesto

Grilled Leg of Lamb with Herb Pesto

Scott Duncan
A Holiday Showstopper
Course Main Course
Servings 10 people

Ingredients
  

  • 4-5 lb. boneless leg of lamb
  • 6 garlic cloves
  • 3 sprigs of fresh rosemary
  • 1 T fresh thyme leaves
  • 1/4 C fresh mint leaves
  • 4 scallions
  • 1/2 C fresh parsley leaves
  • 1 lemon, zested and juiced
  • 1 T kosher salt
  • 1 t ground black pepper
  • 1/3 C olive oil

Instructions
 

The Night Before

  • Rough chop garlic cloves, fresh herbs, and scallions, then add to bowl of food processor along with lemon zest, lemon juice, salt, and black pepper. Pulse until finely chopped.
  • With processor running, drizzle in olive oil.
  • Pour pesto into a bowl and set aside.
  • Lay out leg of lamb, and spread open to a single layer.
  • Use paper towels to pat dry.
  • Trim any excess fat.
  • Apply an even coating of pesto to all surfaces of the lamb.
  • Fold lamb back up, place in a large pan, and cover with plastic wrap.
  • Refrigerate for a minimum of 2 hours and up to overnight.

The Day Of

  • Remove lamb from refrigerator and let rest on counter (still covered and wrapped) for one hour to take the chill off.
  • Preheat all burners of the grill on High for 15 or 20 minutes.
  • The lamb will cook on indirect heat.
  • Just before adding lamb, turn off appropriate burners and turn remaining burners to Low.
  • Open lamb to a single layer and place, fat side up, on the indirect heat.
  • Add probe thermometer to thickest part of the lamb.
  • Grill for 30-40 minutes.
  • Flip.
  • Cook until probe thermometer reads 125 degrees F.
  • (total cooking time should be 75-90 minutes)
  • Remove from grill.
  • Tent loosely with foil and let rest for 20 minutes before carving.
Keyword lamb