Sumac-Rubbed Lamb with Minty Artichokes

Ingredients for Sumac-Rubbed Lamb with Minty Artichokes

• 1 (4–5-lb.) boneless leg of lamb

• 45ml sumac, plus more for serving

• 25ml Diamond Crystal or 1 tablespoon

• 1 tablespoon freshly ground black pepper, plus more

• 2 heads of garlic, halved crosswise

• 2 (400g cans) unmarinated artichoke hearts, drained, halved lengthwise

• 1/2 bunch oregano, plus leaves for serving

• 240ml dry white wine

• 60ml extra-virgin olive oil

• 350ml mint leaves, divided

• 1–2 bunches red radishes with tops, quartered, and/or 4–6 watermelon and/or purple radishes, thinly sliced

• 1 shallot, thinly sliced into rings

• 2 tablespoons white wine vinegar

• 3 tablespoons toasted sesame seeds

• Aioli, labneh, or plain whole-milk Greek yoghurt (for serving)

How to make Sumac-Rubbed Lamb with Minty Artichokes

Place a rack in middle of oven; preheat to 135°C. If lamb is tied or trussed, remove any twine or netting. Sprinkle lamb all over with 45ml sumac, 25ml Diamond Crystal or 1 tablespoon Morton kosher salt, and 1 tablespoon pepper.

Reroll lamb so the fattier side is on top (it doesn’t have to be tight; you can just close it back up like a book). Using 3–4 pieces of kitchen twine, tie lamb in 2" intervals to close. Place bottom halves of both garlic heads, cut side up, in the centre of a 13x9" baking dish and set lamb, fat side up, on top (the garlic acts as a makeshift, better-tasting wire rack). Scatter cloves from remaining top halves of garlic heads around lamb, then tuck artichokes and sprigs from 1/2 bunch oregano around. Pour in wine and oil; season vegetables with salt and pepper. Roast lamb and artichokes until a thermometer inserted into the thickest part of lamb registers 57°C for medium-rare, 2–2 1/2 hours.

Remove lamb and artichokes from oven and increase temperature to 260°C (taking the lamb out while the oven heats up prevents the meat from overcooking).Once oven temperature is at 260°C, slide baking dish back into oven and roast until fat on lamb is golden brown and artichokes are sizzling and starting to crisp around the edges, 10–12 minutes. Carefully transfer lamb to a cutting board and let rest at least 20 minutes.

Meanwhile, scatter half of mint leaves over artichokes and toss well to coat. Toss radishes, shallot, and vinegar in a small bowl to combine; season radish salad with salt and pepper.

Thinly slice lamb and arrange on a platter or serve directly on cutting board and spoon some of the artichoke mixture and any pan juices over. Scatter sesame seeds, oregano leaves, more sumac, and remaining mint on top.

Spoon some aioli into a bowl and serve lamb with radish salad, aioli, and remaining artichoke mixture alongside.

Do Ahead: Lamb and artichokes can be roasted 3 hours ahead. Let sit at room temperature. Reheat artichokes just before serving.

Disclaimer

While every effort has been made to ensure the information is accurate and up to date, individual needs may vary and dietary requirements can differ based on personal health conditions. Always check food labels and allergen information before preparing or consuming any recipe. If you have specific health concerns, allergies, intolerances, or are following a medically prescribed diet, seek advice from your GP, pharmacist, or a registered dietitian before making significant changes to your diet or lifestyle.