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Braised Lamb With Rosemary and Garlic

This braised lamb with rosemary and garlic is a fragrant, slow-cooked masterpiece that fills the kitchen with a wonderful savoury aroma. By using a butterflied leg of lamb, the meat absorbs the punchy herb paste of coriander seeds, garlic, and fresh rosemary, resulting in a deep, aromatic flavour throughout. Searing the meat at a high temperature before a gentle braise ensures a golden exterior while maintaining a succulent, tender texture that is truly satisfying.

As a diabetes-friendly main course, this dish focuses on lean protein and heart-healthy olive oil, paired with a vibrant fennel and onion braising base. It is a sophisticated yet easy choice for a homemade Sunday roast or a special dinner party. To keep the meal balanced and healthy, serve the sliced lamb with plenty of leafy greens or roasted root vegetables and a spoonful of zingy salsa verde.

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Ingredients for Braised Lamb With Rosemary and Garlic

  • 2 teaspoons coriander seeds

  • 4 garlic cloves, smashed

  • 120ml coarsely chopped rosemary

  • 2 teaspoons dried oregano

  • 2 teaspoons freshly ground black pepper

  • 180ml olive oil, divided

  • 1 (6-pound) boneless leg of lamb, butterflied

  • Kosher salt

  • 1 medium onion, coarsely chopped

  • 1 medium fennel bulb, coarsely chopped

  • 1 medium carrot, peeled, coarsely chopped

  • 1 head of garlic, halved crosswise

  • 2 dried chillies de árbol or 1/2 teaspoons crushed red pepper flakes

  • 180ml red wine

  • Flaky sea salt

  • Salsa Verde With Toasted Breadcrumbs and Roasted Red Pepper Harissa (for serving)

  • A spice mill or a mortar and pestle

How to make Braised Lamb With Rosemary and Garlic

Toast coriander seeds in a dry small skillet over medium heat, tossing often, until fragrant, about 2 minutes. Let cool; finely grind in spice mill or mortar and pestle.

Pound garlic, rosemary, oregano, and pepper with a mortar and pestle or pulse in a food processor until garlic and rosemary are broken into fine pieces or finely chopped. Mix in coriander, then, stirring constantly, stream in 120ml oil. Mix until a thick paste forms. Season lamb all over with kosher salt and spread half of the rosemary paste over inside of lamb. Starting from a short end, roll up lamb so it’s resting seam side down. Starting at the centre, tie with kitchen twine at even intervals. Rub outside of lamb with remaining rosemary paste and place on a rimmed baking sheet. Chill at least 4 hours and up to 12 hours (letting the lamb marinate longer will really allow the flavours to meld and permeate the meat).

Remove lamb from refrigerator and let sit to come to room temperature, about 1 hour (this facilitates even cooking).

Preheat oven to 232°C. Roast lamb until well browned all over, 20–25 minutes. Remove from oven and reduce oven temperature to 149°C.

Meanwhile, heat remaining 60ml oil in a Dutch oven or other heavy pot large enough to fit lamb over medium. Add onion, fennel, carrot, and garlic and cook, stirring occasionally, until vegetables are soft and golden, 15–20 minutes. Add chillies de árbol and wine and bring to a simmer. Remove from heat.

Carefully place lamb in pot and pour in water to come halfway up sides of meat. Place in oven and braise lamb, uncovered, until an instant-read thermometer inserted into the thickest part registers 49°C, about 1 hour. Transfer lamb to a cutting board and let rest 30 minutes.

Slice lamb and transfer to a platter. Spoon some braising liquid over and sprinkle with sea salt. Serve with salsa verde and harissa.

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.

  • 16 Jan 2026 | Originally published

    Authored by:

    UK recipe editors

    Peer reviewed by

    UK recipe editors
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