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© Lillys-Table.com Photo of Cacao-Mint Roast Lamb
  • Hard
  • Medium
  • Easy

Prep
Difficulty
Easy

over 1 hour

Time
Estimate
over 1 hour

Icon Heart Healthy

Gluten
Free?
Yes

Spring

Typical
Season
Spring


Nutrition Info

  • 7
  • 6
  • 5
  • 4
  • 3
  • 2
  • 1

Protein

  • 7
  • 6
  • 5
  • 4
  • 3
  • 2
  • 1

Carbs

  • 7
  • 6
  • 5
  • 4
  • 3
  • 2
  • 1

Fats

  • 7
  • 6
  • 5
  • 4
  • 3
  • 2
  • 1

Vegetables



Recipe Detail

Spring

Cacao-Mint Roast Lamb

 

Easter lamb is given some of the attention reserved for the treats in the baskets, when it is rubbed with cocoa, mint and a bit of coffee. This recipe will work with whatever size lamb is needed for your dinner. You may need to adjust the amount of rub you create. Plan on about 3/4 pound of meat per person, for plenty including leftovers.

Ingredients

  • 2 tablespoons sugar
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • ½ cup mint, torn/chop into pieces
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • ¼ cup cocoa
  • 1 tablespoon ground coffee
  • 3 lbs lamb, more or less

Serving Size: 4 People



 

Preparation Instructions

Preheat oven to 450. Combine the first seven ingredients, everything except the lamb and pound with a mortar and pestle. Alternatively, it could be blended in a mini-food processor or just chop and mash it together until it is a moist rub.

Lay the lamb on a cutting board. If the butcher wrapped it in strings to hold it together, leave the strings on. Sprinkle and press the rub onto the lamb until it is evenly coated. Place a wire rack inside of a roasting pan. If you do not have a wire rack, try using a few stalks of celery or long carrots sliced in half. This allows the meat to be slightly elevated and circulate the heat.

No need for a lid or any moisture- keep it dry. Roast the lamb for 20 minutes at 450.

Reduce the heat to 325. Insert a thermometer into the center. When the thermometer reaches 135 the lamb will be rare after resting and when it reaches 145 it will be medium after resting. Choose what you prefer. Once the temperature is reduced to 325, plan on about 8-12 minutes cook time per pound of meat.

Remove the lamb, cover with foil or a lid and allow to rest for 15-20 minutes. If tied up, cut off the strings. Slice the meat about 1-1/2 inch thick.