Braised leg of lamb with winter roots recipe

Try our delicious braised leg of lamb with winter roots recipe - it's so easy to make and is the perfect Sunday roast dinner alternative! Warm up your winter with this succulent braised leg of lamb and root vegetables dish. It takes a while to cook; around 2hrs and 30 mins - but it's well worth the wait. The red wine, shallots, garlic and rosemary sprigs pack this cut of lamb with heaps of flavour. This recipe serves around 6 people which makes it perfect as a family dinner. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Make sure you reheat the lamb thoroughly before serving again.

Looking for the perfect side dish? Why not try our super easy and delicious cauliflower cheese recipe!

Ingredients

• 1.8kg (4lb) leg of lamb
• Fresh rosemary sprigs
• 450g (1lb) small turnips, peeled and quartered
• 450g (1lb) carrots, peeled and thickly sliced
• 6 garlic cloves
• 30ml (2tbsp) oil
• 175g (6oz) shallots
• 10ml (2tsp) sugar
• 600ml (1pt) red wine
• 30ml (2tbsp) balsamic vinegar
• 60ml (4tbsp) redcurrant jelly

Method

1. Season the leg of lamb with salt and freshly ground black pepper. With the tip of a knife make about 8 incisions into the lamb and push a few fresh rosemary sprigs into each hole. Place the lamb in a large roasting tin and arrange the turnips, carrots and garlic around the joint.
2. Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F, gas mark 4). Heat the oil in a frying pan and fry the shallots for 5 mins. Sprinkle over the sugar and fry for a further 5-6 mins until golden brown. Pour the wine into the pan and bring to the boil. Add the vinegar and season, then spoon the shallots around the lamb and pour over the red wine.
3. Cover tightly with foil and roast for 2 hrs 30 mins. Uncover the lamb and cook for a further 20 mins until the skin is crisp and golden and the vegetables are tender.
4. Transfer the lamb and vegetables to a platter and cover and keep warm. Pour all the liquid from the roasting tin into a pan and add the redcurrant jelly. Simmer gently until the jelly has completely dissolved, then bring to the boil and boil rapidly until the liquid has reduced and thickened slightly. Serve with the lamb and vegetables.