MiNDFOOD (New Zealand)

Sticky Slow-Cooked Boneless Leg of Lamb with Mojo Verde

-

Serves 6

2kg boneless leg of lamb, butterflie­d at

room temperatur­e

4 cloves garlic, halved

¼ cup sherry vinegar

2 tbsp honey

¼ cup firmly packed brown sugar

1 tbsp tomato paste

2 tsp smoked paprika

Lemon wedges, to serve

MOJO VERDE

1 long green chilli, seeds removed and

chopped

Parsley and coriander leaves, 1 cup each 1 small clove garlic

2 tbsp sherry vinegar

2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil

Preheat oven to 180°C (160°C fan forced). Using a small knife, cut 8 x 2cm-deep incisions into the lamb. Press the halved garlic clove into each one.

Place the lamb in a deep roasting tray. Combine the vinegar, honey, sugar, tomato paste and paprika. Rub over the lamb, add 1½ cups water to the base of the pan. Cover with baking paper and foil and roast for 4 hours. Remove the foil and roast for a further 30 minutes, or until the lamb is golden and tender.

Meanwhile, to make the mojo verde, combine green chilli, parsley, coriander, garlic and vinegar in a small blender or food processor; blend until smooth. Add the oil and blend to combine. Season with salt and pepper and serve with lemon wedges.

To freeze: lamb can be frozen whole, or shredded. Place in an airtight container or freezer bag and freeze for 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerat­or for 1-2 hours. Pour the pan juices into a small container and freeze separately. These are perfect to use when reheating the lamb to maintain moisture and add flavour.

To reheat: for whole leg of lamb, place in a large baking tray with cup water. Cover with foil and place in an oven preheated to 160°C (140°C fan forced) for 30 minutes or until heated through. For shredded lamb, reheat in the microwave (heating on high for 1-2-minute intervals, stirring until heated through). Or reheat in a small baking tray, covered with foil in a preheated 160°C (140°C fan forced) oven for 20 minutes, until heated through.

SMART TIP

Mojo verde can be frozen in small airtight containers for 8 weeks. Cover with a thin layer of olive oil to avoid the sauce discolouri­ng/keep its vibrant green colour. Thaw in the refrigerat­or and use within 2 days.

Newspapers in English

Newspapers from New Zealand