| Prep: 30 mins | Cook: 2 hours | Difficulty: Medium | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 450 | 32g | 12g | 15g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 8g | 4g | 34g | 0.4g |
There’s something bewitching and boundary-pushing about the Roasted Lamb with Cao Guo Rub. It’s where east meets west, where traditional roasting techniques lovingly embrace the exotic aromas of the Far East. As a dyed-in-the-wool New Yorker, I’ve always admired how our city serves as a vibrant canvas for such culinary masterpieces – and this dish unequivocally embodies that spirit.
A Cosmopolitan Culinary Journey
Just as the stages of New York are adorned with a melange of performances from around the globe, this recipe too, is a caprice on the traditional roast lamb. What makes it so special is the inclusion of Cao Guo or black cardamom – a heady, smoky spice inherent to Asian cuisine. This pushes the palate boundaries, transforming a classic roast into a tantalizing global dish that holds its roots in the heart of NYC’s melting pot.
Health and Wellness, Layered in Flavor
But beyond the sensory delight, the Roasted Lamb with Cao Guo Rub also packs a healthful punch! The honey and orange glaze is packed with vitamin C, essential for boosting our immune system and skin health. Furthermore, olive oil, used as a base for the rub, is a heart-friendly fat, known for its anti-inflammatory properties. On the other hand, black cardamom, rosemary, and thyme not only elevate the flavor of the dish, they also have anti-oxidant properties, aiding digestion and enhancing cardiometabolic health.
If you’re a fan of robust, heartwarming lamb dishes like Irish Lamb Stew or Greek Moussaka, you’ll certainly find depth and surprises in this recipe. As for perfect accompaniments, have you considered Roasted Brussels Sprouts With Garlic or a light Greek Salad? The freshness and crunch would be an ideal counterbalance to the succulence of the lamb.
As a foodie in this bustling city, I challenge you to let your taste buds roam beyond the known. Experiment, explore, and enjoy this unique gastronomic experience that is Roasted Lamb with Cao Guo Rub.
What You’ll Need
- 4 pounds leg of lamb
- 3 tablespoons of olive oil
- 6 Cao Guo (also known as black cardamom), ground finely
- 4 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon of fresh rosemary, chopped
- 1 tablespoon of fresh thyme, chopped
- 1 teaspoon of sea salt
- 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper, ground
- 2 large oranges, zested and juiced
- 2 tablespoons of honey
- 1 large red onion, quartered
- 6 medium carrots, halved
Method
Step One
Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Then take your leg of lamb and pat it dry using kitchen towels. This is an important step that enhances the absorption of the rub.
Step Two
In a small bowl, combine the finely ground Cao Guo, minced garlic, chopped fresh rosemary, chopped fresh thyme, sea salt and ground black pepper. Stir all these together to create a spice rub for the lamb.
Step Three
Next, rub the leg of lamb with olive oil making sure it is completely covered. Following that, apply your mixed spice rub generously over the lamb. Try to cover every inch of the meat with the rub for a full flavor result.
Step Four
In a separate bowl, combine the orange juice, orange zest, and honey. Stir until the honey dissolves fully to create a glaze for your lamb.
Step Five
Place the leg of lamb onto a roasting tray already prepared with the quartered large red onion and halved medium carrots. Ensure the lamb is sitting atop the veggies not beneath them. Then, pour the orange honey glaze over the lamb.
Step Six
Now that everything is prepped and ready, place the roasting tray into the oven. Roast the lamb for about 90 minutes, or until it’s browned and cooked to your liking. A cooking thermometer inserted into the centre should read 145 degrees Fahrenheit for medium rare, 160F for medium and 170F for well done.
Step Seven
Once your lamb is done roasting, remove it from the oven and let it rest for around 15 minutes before carving. This allows for the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, ensuring a moist and tender roast.
Step Eight
Finally, carve your roast lamb and serve over the roasted red onion and carrots, drizzled with the cooking juices. Pair with a desired side dish for a complete meal. Enjoy!
