It’s spring and the boneless leg of lamb was on sale at Wholefoods and Lyn had pinned this the other day so aside went the traditional Greek style recipe I use and we decided that this would be a good free meal for the week. Last year we tried something similar with lamb kabob and liked it. I thought the that is would be to spicy with the paprika and chili but surprisingly enough it was not and the spice snuck up on you as an after taste pleasant and mild. 

From Food and Wine

Ingredients

• 3 tablespoons sweet paprika
• 1 tablespoon pure chili powder, such as ancho or pasilla
• 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cardamom
• One 6 1/2-pound boneless leg of lamb, butterflied
• 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
• Salt
• 6 whole garlic cloves
• 4 rosemary sprigs
• 2 thyme sprigs
• 1 lemon, sliced 1/4 inch thick

I used a 2 lbs. boneless leg so I cut everything by 1/3 except the fresh herbs I used more. But watch the cooking time it cooked quickly. Although Lyn likes lamb well done I would have liked it a little less well done.  Even so it came out tasty and very tender.

How

Preheat the oven to 500°. In a small bowl, mix the paprika with the chile powder and cardamom. Rub the lamb with the olive oil and season with salt. Sprinkle the spices all over the lamb.

Lay the lamb fat side down on a large rimmed baking sheet. Scatter the garlic cloves, rosemary and thyme sprigs and lemon slices around the lamb and roast on the top rack of the oven for about 25 minutes, or until nicely browned.

Turn the lamb fat side up and roast for about 25 minutes longer, or until an instant-read thermometer inserted in the thickest part of the meat registers 130° for medium-rare. Transfer the lamb to a carving board and let rest for 10 minutes. Slice the lamb 1/4 inch thick and serve.

Suggested Pairing

With their gamey notes and firm tannins (more European than Australian in style), South African Shirazes and Syrahs would pair superbly with this spice-roasted lamb