Butterflied Leg of Lamb Marinated in Yogurt and Mint |
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Prep Time: 360 Minutes Cook Time: 45 Minutes |
Ready In: 405 Minutes Servings: 6 |
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Ingredients:
1 cup plain yogurt |
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice |
1 tablespoon olive oil |
4 scallions, finely chopped |
3 large garlic cloves, minced, plus 1 large clove garlic |
1/4 cup chopped fresh mint |
2 tablespoons chopped fresh thyme |
grated zest of 1 lemon |
1 tablespoon cracked black pepper |
salt to taste |
1 (4 to 5 pound) butterflied leg of lamb |
vegetable oil cooking spray |
1/3 cup extra-virgin olive oil |
1 large clove garlic, crushed |
Directions:
1. Combine the yogurt, lemon juice, olive oil, scallions, minced garlic, mint, thyme, lemon zest, pepper, and salt in a large bowl and stir to mix. Rub the garlic clove over both sides of the lamb and put the lamb in a shallow glass or ceramic dish. Pour the marinade over the meat and turn it several times to coat. Cover and refrigerate for 4 to 6 hours. About 30 minutes before grilling, remove the meat from the refrigerator and let it come to room temperature.
2. Prepare a charcoal or gas grill arranging the coals for indirect cooking. Lightly spray the grill rack with vegetable oil cooking spray. The coals should be hot. Lift the lamb from the marinade, scrape off the excess marinade, and season both sides with salt and pepper. Discard the marinade. Combine the oil and crushed garlic in a small bowl for brushing on the meat.
3. Sear the lamb over the hot coals for about 5 minutes on each side, brushing with the olive oil and garlic mixture several times; continue brushing the lamb with the remaining olive oil and garlic mixture during the first 20 minutes of grilling. Move the lamb to the cooler part of the grill, cover, and cook for about 10 minutes. Turn the meat over, cover, and cook for 10 to 15 minutes longer for medium-rare meat, or until cooked to desired doneness. An instant-read thermometer inserted in the thickest part of the meat should register 140 degrees for rare meat and 145 to 150 degrees for medium-rare. Let the lamb rest for about 10 minutes before slicing.
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