Delicious Cinnamon Coffee Leg of Lamb Recipe
Welcome to my cinnamon coffee leg of lamb recipe! As a barista, I’ve always loved playing with different flavor combinations, and this one is truly special.
This recipe combines the aromatic spices of cinnamon and garlic with the rich flavor of roasted lamb for a mouthwatering experience that will have your taste buds dancing. The addition of fresh ground pepper and a pinch of salt creates a perfect balance of savory and sweet.
As you prepare to dive into this recipe, let me tell you why this dish is so unique. The combination of cinnamon and coffee adds a distinctive flavor that compliments the richness of the meat. Not only does it enhance the traditional taste of roasted leg lamb, but it also creates an unforgettable aroma that fills your kitchen with warmth.
This recipe is perfect for a dinner party or any special occasion where you want to impress your guests. It is easy to prepare, and the result is nothing short of amazing.
So what are you waiting for? Grab your apron and let’s get started on our journey to create the perfect slow-roasted cinnamon coffee leg of lamb.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Are you tired of the same old lamb recipe? Look no further than this Cinnamon Coffee Leg of Lamb Recipe! This dish is a perfect balance of savory and sweet with the unique blend of cinnamon, coffee, and salt. The cinnamon adds a subtle warmth that complements the boldness of the coffee, which is balanced out by the natural sweetness from the sugar in the recipe.
But it’s not just the combination of flavors that makes this recipe special. Imagine a beautifully roasted leg of lamb, perfectly seasoned with fresh ground pepper, garlic, and onion to create an aroma that will tantalize your taste buds. With a crispy exterior and juicy, tender interior, every bite will be a delight for your senses.
But why stop there? This recipe is versatile and can be easily altered to suit your taste buds. Want to add a little extra spice to your meal? Add in some ground cumin or Mexican spice for an extra kick. Looking for a more Mediterranean twist? Try adding fennel seeds or using preserved lemons instead of garlic. The possibilities are endless!
If that’s not enough, this dish also pairs perfectly with a bold red wine, such as a Shiraz or Merlot. Top it off with some fresh watercress or roasted vegetables for a complete meal that is sure to impress any guest.
Whether you’re looking to mix up your regular meal routine or hosting a special occasion, this Cinnamon Coffee Leg of Lamb Recipe will certainly not disappoint. The only problem you’ll have is deciding who to invite over for dinner!
Ingredient List
Here is a list of ingredients you’ll need to make this Cinnamon Coffee Leg of Lamb Recipe:
- A 3-4 lb leg of lamb, bone-in or boneless
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 pinch freshly ground black pepper
- 1 onion, sliced into rings
- 1 cup milk
- 1 tablespoon instant coffee
For the perfect blend of flavors, we recommend adding a few more ingredients:
- 2 garlic cloves, sliced thin
- 1 preserved lemon
- 2 perfumed sticks cinnamon
- 5-7 sprigs fresh rosemary
With these carefully selected ingredients, your Cinnamon Coffee Leg of Lamb Recipe will be a guaranteed hit!
The Recipe How-To
Now that you have all the ingredients ready, let’s start preparing the Cinnamon Coffee Leg of Lamb Recipe. This recipe is perfect for a special dinner with loved ones or when you want to impress your guests. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to make it.
Step 1: Prepare the Lamb
Firstly, place the 4-pound leg of lamb (with fat side up) in a roasting pan. Next, use your hand to apply a rub of 2 tablespoons olive oil, 2 teaspoons cinnamon, 2 teaspoons ground cumin, and 1 teaspoon salt all over the lamb. Make sure the meat is coated evenly to allow for maximum flavor penetration.
Step 2: Add Aromatics and Coffee Mix
Once rubbed down, take 5-7 garlic cloves, minced and press them into the scores in the meat. Next, add 1 thinly sliced onion around the side of the lamb. For a cinnamon touch, add several perfumed sticks of cinnamon and sprigs of fresh rosemary over the sliced onion. Afterwards, mix together 1 cup milk with instant coffee and pour it over the top of everything.
Step 3: Slow Roasting Time
With all your aromatics added and ready for flavor infusion, it’s time to slow roast the leg lamb. First, cover it with aluminum foil and place it in an oven preheated at 325 degrees Fahrenheit. Let it roast for up to three hours. After two and a half hours, remove the foil from your oven’s roasted leg for amazing coloration.
Step 4: Finish Roasting Process
In order to finish off this delicious cinnamon coffee leg of lamb recipe, remove any excess fat that has accumulated on pan during cook time. Then, place back in oven for another hour or until fully cooked through with a slightly crisp outside.
Ta-da! Your roasted leg of lamb with cinnamon coffee flavors is now ready to be served. Slice pieces of meat in creamy milk-coffee sauce and arrange it on a platter alonside your chosen garnishes. Your guests will absolutely love this flavorful, juicy, and tender meat that is perfect for any special occasion or get-together.
Tip: Take the juices from the pan to make a delicious gravy to serve alongside roasted potatoes, green beans, or any accompaniments you desire.
Substitutions and Variations
Are you missing an ingredient for this Cinnamon Coffee Leg of Lamb recipe? Don’t worry, there are some possible substitutions and variations you can try!
Firstly, if you’re not a fan of lamb, you can try using boneless pork shoulder or beef chuck roast instead. Marinate the meat overnight in the same cinnamon coffee mixture, then roast it in the oven at 325°F until tender and juicy.
If you prefer a more spicy flavor, you can add ground cumin or Mexican spice rub to the coffee mixture. This will give the lamb a rich and smoky taste that pairs well with red wine.
Instead of preserved lemon, you can use black lime for a tangy and exotic flavor. Black lime is made by boiling fresh limes in salt water until they are completely dry, then curing them for several weeks.
For a vegetarian version of this recipe, try using roasted eggplant or portobello mushrooms in place of the lamb. The cinnamon coffee marinade works just as well with vegetables as it does with meat.
If you don’t have instant coffee on hand, you can substitute it with brewed coffee that has been cooled to room temperature. Simply stir together 1 cup of brewed coffee with 1 tablespoon of sugar until dissolved.
Lastly, for a fun and innovative twist on this recipe, try using the cinnamon coffee marinade to make a delicious marinated steak dish. Simply rub your favorite cut of steak with minced garlic and 2 tablespoons of olive oil before coating it generously with the cinnamon coffee mixture. Then grill or sear the steak to your desired doneness.
With these substitutions and variations, you can easily customize this recipe to suit your taste preferences and ingredient availability. Give them a try and get creative in the kitchen!
Serving and Pairing
Ah, the moment of truth: it’s time to serve your beautifully cinnamon-coffee roasted leg of lamb! The aroma of the roasted lamb and cinnamon sticks is sure to captivate your appetite even before you taste it.
For serving, slice the lamb into thin, even pieces, and present them on a platter decorated with fresh rosemary sprigs and preserved lemons. Thou shall not forget to pour the roasting pan juices over the top of the meat slices for extra flavor.
As for pairing, a red wine like merlot or cabernet sauvignon will complement the dish quite well. The bold, fruity flavors of these wines stand up well to the richness of the lamb while enhancing its flavor profile.
If you’re not much of a wine aficionado or prefer non-alcoholic beverages, try serving this lamb with a tall glass of watercress juice. It may sound unconventional, but watercress juice is an excellent palate cleanser that will help you appreciate all of the different nuances in the dish.
Now you’re ready to sit down and savor each bite of this delicious roast lamb recipe. Happy cooking!
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
Once you have made your delicious cinnamon coffee leg of lamb recipe, you may be wondering how to store and reheat it properly. Fear not, my coffee-loving friends! I have all the tips and tricks for making sure your lamb stays fresh, juicy and full of flavor.
If you want to make-ahead of time, the best thing to do is cook the lamb a day or two beforehand and then store it in the refrigerator. To reheat, simply preheat your oven to 325 degrees F and then place the lamb in an oven-safe dish with about half an inch of water at the bottom. You can cover the dish with foil to prevent from getting dry but make sure there are some holes poked to allow steam to escape. After reheating for about 30 minutes, check the temperature with a meat thermometer making sure it reaches 165 degrees F before serving.
If you want to store leftovers, let the lamb cool down before covering tightly with aluminum foil and storing in the fridge for up to three days. You can also freeze any leftover lamb pieces in airtight containers or freezer bags for up to two months. However, keep in mind that reheated frozen meat might not taste as fresh as newly cooked ones so plan accordingly.
One of my favorite ways to enjoy leftover lamb is by shredding it up and using it as filling in quesadillas or tacos, or even adding eggs for breakfast burritos. Another great idea is making sandwiches on crusty bread with fresh lettuce and tomato for a quick lunch. The possibilities are endless!
Just remember, proper storage techniques are essential for keeping your cinnamon coffee leg of lamb recipe tasting its best. With these tips, storing, reheating, and enjoying your delicious creation will be a cinch!
Tips for Perfect Results
Now that you have the recipe in hand, let me share with you some tips to ensure perfect results when making this cinnamon coffee leg of lamb.
Firstly, when roasting the leg of lamb, place it in the roasting pan fat side up. This allows for the fat to render and baste the meat as it cooks, ensuring a juicy and flavorful roast.
Secondly, season the lamb liberally with salt and pepper. Don’t be shy! The meat can handle a lot of seasoning and it will help enhance its natural flavors.
Thirdly, for extra depth of flavor, consider adding preserved lemon to the roast. It adds a unique tanginess that pairs well with the sweetness from the cinnamon and sugar.
Fourthly, make sure to give yourself ample time for cooking. Slow roasting your lamb at a lower temperature will help ensure that it is tender and cooked to perfection. Don’t rush it!
Fifthly, don’t forget to let your lamb rest before cutting into it. This allows for the juices to redistribute within the meat and results in a juicier and more flavorful bite.
Lastly, feel free to get creative with your serving and pairing options. While watercress is a great option for garnish, experiment with different sides such as roasted vegetables or mashed sweet potatoes.
By following these tips, you’ll be on your way to creating a mouthwatering cinnamon coffee leg of lamb that will impress any guest at your dinner table.
Bottom Line
In conclusion, if you’re looking for a unique and flavorful way to roast a leg of lamb, this cinnamon coffee leg of lamb recipe is a must-try. With its tender and juicy meat infused with the aromatic flavors of cinnamon and coffee, your taste buds will be delighted with every bite.
Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or looking to switch up your weeknight meals, this recipe is sure to impress. And with the flexibility to make substitutions and variations based on your personal taste preferences, it’s a versatile dish that can be customized to suit any occasion.
So what are you waiting for? Grab a leg of lamb, some cinnamon, instant coffee and other ingredients from the ingredient list, follow our step-by-step instructions and tips for perfect results, and treat yourself and your loved ones to a savory culinary adventure. Trust me; your taste buds will thank you!
Cinnamon Coffee Leg of Lamb Recipe
Ingredients
- 3 -4 lbs leg of lamb
- 1 garlic clove
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 pinch fresh ground pepper
- 1 onion, sliced in rings
- 1 cup milk
- 1 tablespoon instant coffee
- 1 teaspoon sugar
Instructions
- Rub leg of lamb with a cut garlic clove, cinnamon, salt and pepper. Place in a shallow dish and cover with sliced onion. Heat milk with coffee and sugar and pour over. Marinate meat, covered, for several hours at room temperature or overnight in the refrigerator.
- Preheat oven to 325°F Remove lamb, pat dry and place on rack in roasting pan. Reserve marinade. Roast approimately 30 minutes per pound, basting during last half hour with marinating liquid. An internal temperature of 145°F indicates lamb is cooked medium-rare.
- Remove cooked meat to a hot platter. Place roasting pan on stovetop. Add remaining marinade to pan plus additional milk, if required. Heat and stir to loosen all the crusty bits. Adjust seasoning. Serve sauce wth lamb.
Add Your Own Notes
Nutrition
Recommended Recipes Just For You
None found
