Leg of Lamb with Garlic and Rosemary
Peer reviewed by UK recipe editorsAuthored by UK recipe editorsOriginally published 28 Jan 2026
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This classic roast leg of lamb with garlic and rosemary is a quintessential British centrepiece, perfect for Sunday lunch or a festive gathering. By scoring the fat and rubbing in a fragrant paste of fresh herbs and sea salt, the meat is infused with deep, savoury flavours that complement the natural richness of the lamb. Roasting the joint whole ensures a succulent finish, while a simple red wine deglaze creates a light, sophisticated jus to serve alongside.
As a diabetes-friendly option, this recipe focuses on high-quality protein and fresh aromatics rather than heavy, sugary glazes. It is naturally low in carbohydrates and pairs beautifully with a colourful array of roasted root vegetables or steamed seasonal greens. Resting the meat is the secret to a tender texture, allowing the juices to redistribute for a professional, melt-in-the-mouth result every time.
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Ingredients for Leg of Lamb with Garlic and Rosemary
1 (7-pound) semi-boneless leg of lamb, aitchbone removed, fat trimmed to 1/4 inch thick, and lamb tied
4 garlic cloves
1 tablespoon fine sea salt
2 tablespoons chopped fresh rosemary
1/2 teaspoons black pepper
60ml dry red wine or beef broth
How to make Leg of Lamb with Garlic and Rosemary
Back to contentsPat lamb dry and score fat by making shallow cuts all over with tip of a sharp small knife.
Pound garlic to a paste with sea salt using a mortar and pestle (or mince and mash with a heavy knife) and stir together with rosemary and pepper. Put lamb in a lightly oiled roasting pan, then rub paste all over lamb. Let stand at room temperature 30 minutes.
Preheat oven to 177°C.
Roast lamb in middle of oven until an instant-read thermometer inserted 2 inches into thickest part of meat (do not touch bone) registers 54°C, 1 1/2 to 1 3/4 hours. Transfer to a cutting board and let stand 15 to 25 minutes (internal temperature will rise to about 60°C for medium-rare).
Add wine to pan and deglaze by boiling over moderately high heat, stirring and scraping up brown bits, 1 minute. Season pan juices with salt and pepper and serve with lamb.
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.
Article history
The information on this page is peer reviewed by qualified clinicians.
28 Jan 2026 | Originally published
Authored by:
UK recipe editors
Peer reviewed by
UK recipe editors

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