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Grilled Leg of Lamb with Ancho Chile Marinade

4.6

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Grilled Leg of Lamb with Ancho Chile MarinadePatricia Heal

This smoky grilled meat will be a delicious addition to your barbecue repertoire. For a casual party, serve the lamb with grilled pita bread, grilled eggplant, and tzatziki so that guests can make their own Greek-inspired sandwiches. Timing note: The lamb needs to marinate overnight.

Recipe information

  • Yield

    Makes 8 servings

Ingredients

1/2 cup dry white wine
1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
8 garlic cloves, peeled
4 tablespoons fresh oregano leaves, divided
3 tablespoons ancho chile powder*
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
2 green onions, divided
1 tablespoon (packed) dark brown sugar
2 1/2 teaspoons coarse kosher salt
2 1/2 teaspoons freshly ground black pepper
1 4 1/2-pound boneless leg of lamb, opened flat like a book, trimmed of all fat and sinew (3 1/2 pounds after trimming)

Preparation

  1. Step 1

    Combine wine, oil, garlic, 3 tablespoons oregano, ancho chile powder, lemon juice, 1 green onion, sugar, salt, and pepper in blender. Blend mixture until smooth. Transfer marinade to 13 x 9 x 2-inch glass baking dish. Add lamb and turn to coat evenly. Cover dish tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight.

    Step 2

    Prepare barbecue (medium heat). Grill lamb with some of marinade still clinging to surface until lamb is cooked to desired doneness, 15 to 16 minutes per side for medium-rare (130°F). Transfer lamb to carving board. Let lamb rest 15 minutes.

    Step 3

    Meanwhile, finely chop remaining green onion and 1 tablespoon oregano leaves; combine in small bowl.

    Step 4

    Thinly slice lamb across grain. Arrange lamb slices on platter. Pour over any accumulated juices. Sprinkle with onion-oregano mixture and serve.

  2. Step 5

    * Available in the spice section of many supermarkets and at Latin markets.

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