Feast Like Julia: Heavenly Leg of Lamb Recipe

Julia Child’s leg of lamb transforms ordinary dinners into extraordinary culinary experiences.

Tender meat whispers stories of French countryside kitchens and generations of passionate cooking.

Succulent layers absorb fragrant herbs like a delicate sponge, promising incredible depth of flavor.

Every slice reveals a symphony of carefully balanced seasonings and perfectly executed techniques.

Professional chefs and weekend warriors alike can recreate this classic dish with confidence.

Robust rosemary and garlic dance together, infusing the lamb with Mediterranean warmth.

You’ll soon understand why this recipe has captivated food lovers for generations – get ready to impress everyone at your table.

How to Roast Julia Child’s Leg of Lamb

• Prepare Your Cooking Space

Warm up the oven to a toasty 350°F and position the rack right in the center of the oven.

• Transform the Lamb

Grab a sharp knife and create strategic cuts across the lamb’s surface, spacing them about 3-4 inches apart to help flavors penetrate deeply.

• Infuse with Aromatic Goodness

Slide thin garlic slivers into each cut, letting the cloves nestle into the meat and release their magical flavor.

• Season and Herb the Masterpiece

Generously shower the lamb with salt and pepper, then tuck fresh rosemary sprigs all around – under, over, and alongside the meat to create a fragrant herb blanket.

• Roast to Perfection

Carefully place the lamb in a sturdy roasting pan and slide it into the heated oven. Let it cook for about 1 3/4 to 2 hours until the internal temperature reaches a beautiful 135°F for that mouthwatering medium-rare finish.

• Rest and Relax

Gently remove the lamb from the oven and lovingly cover it with aluminum foil. Allow the meat to rest for 10 minutes, letting the juices settle and ensuring every bite is incredibly tender.

• Serve with Flair

Slice the lamb into elegant, mouth-watering pieces and plate alongside roasted vegetables or your favorite accompaniments for a show-stopping meal that’ll have everyone asking for seconds.

Herb and Garlic Tips for Juicy Lamb

• Master Meat Selection: Choose high-quality, grass-fed lamb shoulder or leg for maximum tenderness and rich flavor. Younger lamb provides more delicate meat with less gamey taste.
• Customize Herb Combinations: Experiment with different herb blends like thyme, oregano, or mint alongside rosemary. Mediterranean and Middle Eastern spice mixes can transform the traditional recipe into a global culinary experience.
• Temperature Precision: Use a reliable meat thermometer to guarantee perfect doneness. Allow an extra 5-10 degrees during resting, as internal temperature continues rising after removing from oven.
• Smart Leftover Strategy: Store remaining lamb slices in airtight containers for up to 3-4 days. Reheat gently at 325°F, adding a splash of broth to maintain moisture and prevent drying out.

Plating Ideas for French Leg of Lamb

• Elevate Your Lamb Feast: Perfect Pairings bring this roasted lamb to life with delightful accompaniments.
• Rustic Roasted Vegetables: Surround the lamb with colorful roasted carrots, parsnips, and Brussels sprouts tossed in olive oil and herbs for a harmonious plate.
• Wine Companion: Select a bold red wine like Cabernet Sauvignon or Syrah to complement the rich, savory lamb flavors and enhance the dining experience.
• Mediterranean Sidekick: Serve with a fresh Greek salad featuring crisp cucumbers, tangy feta cheese, and kalamata olives to balance the meat's richness.
• Creamy Potato Comfort: Prepare garlic mashed potatoes or a silky potato gratin as a luxurious side that soaks up the lamb's delicious juices.

How to Store Leftover Lamb Slices

• Preserve Flavor Perfectly: Let the roasted lamb cool completely before storing to maintain its juicy texture and rich taste.
• Refrigerate Smartly: Transfer leftover lamb to an airtight container and keep in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days, ensuring maximum freshness and food safety.
• Freeze for Future Feasts: Wrap individual portions tightly in plastic wrap, then place in freezer-safe bags. Frozen lamb stays delicious for 2-3 months, ready to rescue busy weeknight dinners.
• Reheat with Care: Gently warm refrigerated lamb in the oven at 325°F, covered with foil to prevent drying out. Add a splash of broth to keep the meat moist and tender, bringing back that just-roasted magic in minutes.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 1 hour

Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes

Calories: 350 kcal

Servings: 5

Leg of Lamb Ingredient Rundown by Julia Child

• Lamb Roast: Choose a high-quality, well-marbled cut with a thin layer of fat for rich, juicy flavor.
• Garlic Cloves: Select fresh, firm garlic with tight, unbroken skin for maximum aromatic punch.

• Kosher Salt: Pick coarse-grain salt that adds robust flavor and helps create a delectable crust.
• Black Pepper: Use freshly ground pepper for a vibrant, zesty kick that enhances the lamb's natural taste.
• Fresh Rosemary: Opt for bright green, fragrant sprigs with no wilting or browning for intense herbal notes.

• Aluminum Foil: Choose a sturdy, high-quality foil that can effectively trap heat and moisture during resting.

Roasting Gear for Lamb Preparation

• Oven: Preheated to precise temperature for perfect roasting.
• Sharp Knife: Essential for creating deep, strategic cuts across lamb's surface.
• Roasting Pan: Sturdy and reliable vessel for cooking the lamb evenly.
• Meat Thermometer: Crucial for checking internal temperature and achieving desired doneness.
• Aluminum Foil: Used for tenting and allowing meat to rest comfortably.
• Cutting Board: Provides stable surface for carving and slicing meat.
• Carving Knife: Helps create beautiful, clean slices of succulent lamb.

Succulent Julia Child Leg Of Lamb Recipe

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4.5 from 26 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Julia Child’s leg of lamb recipe brings classic French countryside cooking to American kitchens. Herbal marinade and slow roasting create succulent meat that connects passionate home cooks with traditional Parisian culinary techniques.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 5 lbs (2.27 kg) leg of lamb
• 4 cloves garlic, sliced
• 2 tbsps (30 ml) fresh rosemary
• Salt to taste
• Ground black pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Preparation: Meticulously trim excess fat from lamb leg, creating strategic 2-3 inch deep incisions across the surface for maximum flavor infusion.
2. Seasoning: Nestle thinly sliced garlic cloves into prepared cuts, generously massage kosher salt and black pepper throughout the meat, and strategically place fresh rosemary sprigs to enhance aromatic complexity.
3. Roasting Setup: Position lamb in a robust roasting pan with fat side upward, ensuring optimal self-basting during cooking. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) with precise temperature calibration.
4. Cooking Process: Roast the lamb for 1 3/4 to 2 hours, vigilantly monitoring internal temperature until it reaches 135°F (57°C) for perfect medium-rare texture.
5. Resting and Serving: Immediately shield the roasted lamb with aluminum foil, allowing 15 minutes of rest to redistribute internal juices. Slice against the grain into delicate portions, artfully arranging on a serving platter and garnishing with additional rosemary sprigs for an elegant presentation.

Notes

• Garlic Insertion Technique: Create deep, strategic cuts to embed garlic slices, maximizing flavor distribution and ensuring each bite is infused with aromatic goodness.
• Salt Massage Method: Generously coat and gently massage seasonings into the meat, promoting deeper flavor penetration and creating a delectable external crust.
• Resting Ritual: Always tent the cooked lamb with foil and let it rest for 15 minutes, allowing internal juices to redistribute and guaranteeing incredibly tender, succulent meat.
• Temperature Precision: Use a meat thermometer to nail the perfect 135°F for medium-rare, transforming an ordinary roast into a restaurant-quality culinary masterpiece.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Roasting
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 0 g
• Sodium: 100 mg
• Fat: 25 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 0 g
• Fiber: 0 g
• Protein: 32 g
• Cholesterol: 120 mg