Ingredients
- 50 g of anchovies in oil, drained
- 3 cloves of garlic
- 2 sprigs of fresh thyme
- 1.5 kg of leg of lamb
- 1 pinch of sea salt
- 1 pinch of ground black pepper
- 2 tablespoons of olive oil
Method
Step 1
Pat the anchovies with paper towel and cut the fillets lengthways. Cut the garlic cloves lengthways also, then into slices.Step 2
Heat the oil in a small pan with the thyme sprigs for about a minute, then remove.Step 3
Using a sharp pointed thin bladed knife make several stabs over the leg. Push an anchovy fillet and garlic shred into each hole, then place the leg in a small heatproof ovenproof dish. Wrap loosely with foil on top and chill for about 12 hours.Step 4
When ready to cook, heat the oven to 190C / Gas 5.Step 5
Pour the thyme oil around the leg and draw up the foil to seal. cook in the preheated oven for 45 minutes to 1 hour, uncovering two or three times and spooning the cooking juices over. Check the meat is just cooked by piercing with a thin bladed knife. Lightly pink juices should run out; if the juices are quite bloody, then allow another 10-15 minutes.Step 6
When cooked, remove the pan of lamb from the oven and allow to stand for 15 minutes. Place the lamb on a warmed platter and carve.Step 7
Put the pan with the roasting juices back on the hob and stir in 2-3 tablespoons water. Heat until bubbling, scraping up the pan bottom with a wooden spoon to deglaze. Bubble for 2-3 minutes and season lightly then strain into a small jug. Pour over the lamb.