Christmas Roast Lamb with Basil Stuffing
3/4 c Chopped onion
1/3 c Chopped celery
2 Cloves garlic, minced
1/4 c Olive oil
2 Beaten eggs
10 oz Frozen chopped spinach, thawed
1/4 c Snipped parsley
3 tb Fresh snipped basil
1/4 ts Dried marjoram, crushed
1/4 ts Pepper
6 c Plain croutons
1/4 c Grated parmesan cheese
1/2 c Water
1 5-7 pound leg of lamb, boned
and butterflied
1 ts Dried rosemary, crushed
Sprigs of Fresh
mint (opt)
Sprigs of fresh
marjoram (op
For stuffing, cook the onion, celery, and minced garlic in hot oil till
tender but not brown.
In a medium mixing bowl, stir together the eggs, spinach, parsley, basil,
marjoram, and pepper; add onion mixture. Stir in croutons and cheese. Drizzle
with water to moisten, tossing lightly. Set aside
If necessary, remove the fell (pinkish red paper-thin layer) from the
surface of the lamb. Pound meat to an even thickness. Sprinkle with rosemary.
Spread the stuffing over the roast. Roll up and tie meat securely.
Place roast, seam side down, on a rack in a shallow roasting pan. Insert a
meat thermometer in the thickest potion of meat. Roast, uncovered, in a 325 F
oven for 1 1/2 to 2 hours or till meat thermometer registers 150 F.
Let roast stand for 15 minutes before carving. Remove strings.
If desired, garnish with sprigs of fresh mint and sprigs of fresh marjoram.
