Name: Slow Cooker Leg of Lamb Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 8 h
Total time: 8 h 5 min
Yield: 8
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Ingredients: 1 lemon; 2 tbsp olive oil; 4 lbs leg of lamb; 2 lbs red potatoes; 2 tsp kosher salt; ½ tsp coarse ground black pepper; 5 cloves garlic; 1 tbsp fresh rosemary; 1 cup chicken broth; 1 cup White Wine

Experience the rich, tender, and flavorful journey of a slow-cooked leg of lamb. This recipe brings together a symphony of ingredients, culminating in a meal that's both hearty and comforting. The slow cooker does the heavy lifting, transforming a robust leg of lamb into a melt-in-your-mouth delicacy, while the potatoes soak up all the goodness for a satisfying side. It's a feast that's sure to impress.

Photos of Slow Cooker Leg of Lamb Recipe

Most of the ingredients in this recipe are quite common and can be found in your everyday kitchen pantry, such as olive oil, kosher salt, and garlic. However, you might need to get the leg of lamb and fresh rosemary from the supermarket if you don't typically stock these items. Remember, choosing a high-quality leg of lamb is key to this recipe's success. The fresh rosemary, on the other hand, imparts a robust flavor that dried rosemary just can't match.

Slow Cooker Leg of Lamb Ingredient Breakdown

Lemon: Used for both its juice and zest, it adds a tangy and refreshing flavor.

Olive oil: Helps to sear the lamb and add a Mediterranean touch to the dish.

Leg of lamb: The star of the show. Slow cooked until it's incredibly tender.

Red potatoes: These will soak up all the flavorful juices in the slow cooker.

Kosher salt: Used for seasoning the lamb and potatoes.

Black pepper: Adds a little heat and balances the flavors.

Garlic: Provides a strong, pungent flavor that pairs well with lamb.

Fresh rosemary: Its aromatic and piney flavor complements the lamb perfectly.

Chicken broth: Adds depth and enhances the flavor of the lamb.

White wine: Deglazes the pot and provides a slightly sweet and acidic note.

One reader, Dorry Horning says:

This slow cooker leg of lamb recipe is a game-changer! The meat is incredibly tender and flavorful, and the potatoes soak up all the delicious juices. The aroma alone is worth it! It's a must-try for anyone who loves a hearty, comforting meal.

Dorry Horning

Techniques Required for Making Slow Cooker Leg of Lamb

How to sear the lamb: Searing the lamb on all sides in a hot pan or pot helps to lock in the juices and adds flavor to the meat. This step is essential for creating a delicious crust on the lamb.

How to season the lamb and potatoes: Seasoning the lamb and potatoes with salt, pepper, garlic, rosemary, and lemon juice adds layers of flavor to the dish. It's important to distribute the seasonings evenly for a well-balanced taste.

How to garnish with fresh lemon zest: Adding fresh lemon zest as a garnish at the end of cooking enhances the aroma and brightens the flavors of the dish. It provides a fresh, citrusy note to complement the richness of the lamb.

How To Make Slow Cooker Leg of Lamb

This leg of lamb recipe is slow-cooked, so you don’t have to slave away on the stove for hours. Its tender meat is seasoned with garlic, lemon, & rosemary.

Preparation: 5 minutes

Cooking: 8 hours

Total: 8 hours 5 minutes

Serves:

Ingredients

1lemon
2tbspolive oil
4lbsleg of lamb,boneless
2lbsred potatoes,quartered
2tspkosher salt
½tspcoarse ground black pepper
5clovesgarlic,minced
1tbspfresh rosemary,chopped
1cupchicken broth
1cupwhite wine

Instructions

Juice the lemon and keep lemon zest in a small pouch to keep it fresh in the refrigerator while the lamb cooks.
Add olive oil to a large pot or in a slow cooker with an aluminum insert.
On high heat sear the lamb on all sides, 4 to 5 minutes per side until browned.
Add the potatoes to the slow cooker (season with half the salt and pepper), top with the lamb (and season with remaining salt and pepper).
Season the lamb with garlic, rosemary and lemon juice, then pour in the chicken broth and wine on the side of the slow cooker (careful not to wash the seasoning off the lamb).
Cover and cook on Low for 6 to 8 hours.
Garnish with fresh lemon zest.

Nutrition

Calories: 623.66kcal
Fat: 36.65g
Saturated Fat: 14.70g
Monounsaturated Fat: 16.05g
Polyunsaturated Fat: 3.11g
Carbohydrates: 21.29g
Fiber: 2.24g
Sugar: 2.42g
Protein: 45.03g
Cholesterol: 155.12mg
Sodium: 665.02mg
Calcium: 39.94mg
Potassium: 1174.45mg
Iron: 4.95mg
Vitamin A: 0.72µg
Vitamin C: 14.29mg

Technique Tip for Perfecting Slow Cooker Leg of Lamb

When searing your leg of lamb, ensure your pot or slow cooker insert is extremely hot before adding the meat. This will help to create a beautiful, flavorful crust on the outside of the lamb. Also, resist the urge to move the lamb around while it's searing. Let it sit undisturbed for 4 to 5 minutes on each side to achieve a deep, even browning. This technique, known as the Maillard reaction, enhances the flavor of the lamb and gives it a pleasing texture.

Time-Saving Tips for Preparing Slow Cooker Leg of Lamb

Prep ahead: Chop vegetables, measure out ingredients, and prepare any components that can be made in advance to streamline the cooking process.

Use a slow cooker: Utilize a slow cooker to cook the leg of lamb, allowing it to tenderize and infuse with flavors while you attend to other tasks.

One-pot wonder: Opt for recipes that allow you to cook multiple components in one pot or slow cooker to minimize cleanup and save time.

Invest in quality tools: Quality knives, kitchen gadgets, and appliances can make food preparation more efficient, saving time in the long run.

Organize your workspace: Keep your kitchen organized and tidy to minimize time spent searching for ingredients and utensils while cooking.

Multi-task: Look for opportunities to multi-task, such as chopping vegetables while something is simmering, to make the most of your time in the kitchen.

Substitute Ingredients For Slow Cooker Leg of Lamb Recipe

lemon - Substitute with orange: Oranges have a similar level of acidity and can provide a slightly sweeter flavor to the dish.
olive oil - Substitute with vegetable oil: Vegetable oil can be used as a neutral substitute for olive oil in slow cooking, as it has a higher smoke point.
leg of lamb - Substitute with beef roast: Beef roast can be used as a substitute for leg of lamb, providing a similar texture and flavor when slow-cooked.
red potatoes - Substitute with Yukon Gold potatoes: Yukon Gold potatoes have a similar waxy texture and can hold up well in slow cooking, making them a suitable substitute for red potatoes.
kosher salt - Substitute with sea salt: Sea salt can be used as a substitute for kosher salt, providing a similar level of salinity to the dish.
coarse ground black pepper - Substitute with cracked black pepper: Cracked black pepper can be used as a substitute for coarse ground black pepper, providing a similar peppery flavor and texture.
garlic - Substitute with shallots: Shallots can provide a milder, sweeter flavor compared to garlic, and can be used as a substitute in slow cooker recipes.
fresh rosemary - Substitute with dried thyme: Dried thyme can be used as a substitute for fresh rosemary, providing a similar earthy and aromatic flavor to the dish.
chicken broth - Substitute with vegetable broth: Vegetable broth can be used as a substitute for chicken broth, providing a similar savory flavor to the dish.
white wine - Substitute with apple cider vinegar: Apple cider vinegar can provide a tangy and slightly sweet flavor similar to white wine when used in slow cooker recipes.

Presentation Tips for Slow Cooker Leg of Lamb

Elevate the lamb: Carefully slice the leg of lamb into thin, elegant slices, arranging them in a circular pattern on the plate to create a visually stunning presentation.
Artfully arrange the potatoes: Slice the red potatoes into thin rounds and layer them in an overlapping pattern around the lamb, creating a beautiful and rustic base for the dish.
Garnish with fresh rosemary: Sprinkle the dish with delicate rosemary leaves, adding a pop of color and a fragrant aroma that will impress the judges.
Drizzle with a reduction: Create a sauce using the cooking juices from the slow cooker, reducing it to a glaze-like consistency, and carefully drizzle it around the plate for an elegant finishing touch.
Add a touch of brightness: Grate the lemon zest from the pouch over the lamb and potatoes, adding a burst of citrus flavor and a vibrant pop of color to the dish.
Serve on elegant dinnerware: Present the slow-cooked leg of lamb and potatoes on fine china or handcrafted pottery, elevating the overall dining experience for the esteemed guests.

Essential Tools for Making Slow Cooker Leg of Lamb

Lemon squeezer: A lemon squeezer can be used to extract the juice from the lemon efficiently.
Olive oil: Olive oil is used for searing the lamb and adding flavor to the dish.
Large pot or slow cooker with aluminum insert: This is used for searing the lamb and slow cooking the dish.
Tongs: Tongs are used for flipping and handling the lamb while searing.
Knife: A knife is used for mincing the garlic and cutting the potatoes.
Cutting board: A cutting board is used for prepping the ingredients, such as cutting the potatoes and mincing the garlic.
Measuring spoons: Measuring spoons are used for accurately measuring the salt, pepper, and other seasonings.
Aluminum foil: Aluminum foil can be used to cover the slow cooker during cooking.
Grater: A grater can be used to zest the lemon for garnishing the dish.
Slow cooker: The slow cooker is used for cooking the leg of lamb and potatoes slowly over a long period of time.
Saucepan: A saucepan is used for heating the chicken broth and white wine before adding it to the slow cooker.
Spatula: A spatula can be used for stirring the ingredients in the slow cooker.
Measuring cup: A measuring cup is used for accurately measuring the chicken broth and white wine.
Ladle: A ladle can be used for transferring the cooking liquid over the lamb and potatoes.
Garlic press: A garlic press can be used for crushing the garlic for easy incorporation into the dish.

Storing and Freezing Slow Cooker Leg of Lamb

Let the slow cooker leg of lamb cool completely before storing or freezing.
Transfer the leftover lamb and potatoes to an airtight container or wrap tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil.
Refrigerate the leftovers for up to 3-4 days.
To freeze, place the tightly wrapped leftovers in a freezer-safe container or freezer bag, removing as much air as possible.
Label the container or bag with the date and contents for easy identification.
Freeze the slow cooker leg of lamb for up to 2-3 months for best quality.
To reheat, thaw the frozen leftovers in the refrigerator overnight.
Place the thawed leftovers in a baking dish, cover with foil, and reheat in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, about 20-30 minutes.
Alternatively, reheat smaller portions in the microwave, stirring occasionally, until heated through.
Add a splash of chicken broth or water to help maintain moisture during reheating, if needed.

How To Reheat Leftover Slow Cooker Leg of Lamb

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the leftover leg of lamb in an oven-safe dish and cover it with aluminum foil. Bake for about 20-25 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). This method helps to retain the moisture and flavor of the lamb.
If you prefer a quicker reheating method, you can use the microwave. Place the lamb in a microwave-safe dish and cover it with a damp paper towel. Microwave on high for 1-2 minutes, or until heated through. Be careful not to overheat the lamb, as it can become tough and dry.
For a crispy exterior, you can reheat the leg of lamb in a skillet. Heat a small amount of olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the lamb and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until heated through and slightly crispy on the outside.
If you have leftover potatoes and other vegetables from the slow cooker recipe, you can reheat them together with the lamb in the oven or microwave. This will help to infuse the flavors and create a delicious, cohesive meal.
To add extra moisture and flavor to the reheated lamb, you can drizzle a small amount of chicken broth or white wine over the meat before reheating. This will help to prevent the lamb from drying out and enhance its taste.
If you have any leftover rosemary or garlic, you can chop them up and sprinkle them over the lamb before reheating. This will give the dish a fresh burst of flavor and aroma.
Lastly, don't forget to garnish the reheated leg of lamb with fresh lemon zest, just as you did when you first prepared the dish. This will brighten up the flavors and add a touch of freshness to the reheated meal.

Random Fact About Slow Cooker Leg of Lamb

The slow cooker leg of lamb recipe is a great way to prepare a delicious and tender meal. It's a convenient option for busy days, as the slow cooker does most of the work for you. Plus, slow cooking the lamb allows the flavors to meld together, resulting in a rich and savory dish. This cooking method also helps to tenderize the meat, making it incredibly succulent. So, if you're looking for a hassle-free way to enjoy a flavorful leg of lamb, this recipe is a fantastic choice!

Is Making Slow Cooker Leg of Lamb Economical for Home Cooking?

This slow cooker leg of lamb recipe is quite cost-effective for a household. The main ingredient, leg of lamb, can be a bit pricey, but the dish stretches over several meals, making it economical in the long run. The addition of potatoes and garlic adds bulk and flavor without breaking the bank. The total cost for a household of 4 people would be approximately $30-$40, depending on the quality of the ingredients. Overall, this recipe offers a delightful and budget-friendly option for a hearty family meal. Verdict: 9.

Is Slow Cooker Leg of Lamb Healthy or Unhealthy?

This slow cooker leg of lamb recipe is a relatively healthy choice, as it incorporates lean protein, vegetables, and healthy fats. Lamb is an excellent source of protein, B vitamins, and minerals like zinc and iron. The inclusion of potatoes provides complex carbohydrates and fiber, while the garlic and rosemary offer antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties. The use of olive oil and chicken broth adds healthy fats and keeps the dish moist without excessive saturated fats.

However, there are a few areas where the recipe could be improved to make it even healthier:

Reduce the amount of salt to lower the sodium content
Use a low-sodium chicken broth to further decrease the sodium levels
Replace the white wine with additional chicken broth or water to reduce the alcohol content
Include more vegetables, such as carrots, onions, or green beans, to increase the fiber and nutrient density of the dish
Trim any visible fat from the leg of lamb to reduce the saturated fat content
Use a leaner cut of lamb, such as a leg roast or loin chops, to further decrease the fat content

By making these adjustments, you can enhance the nutritional value of the dish while still maintaining its delicious flavor profile. The slow cooking method also helps to tenderize the meat and infuse it with the aromatic herbs and spices, creating a satisfying and wholesome meal for the entire family.

Editor's Thoughts on This Slow Cooker Leg of Lamb Recipe

The slow cooker leg of lamb recipe is a delightful and flavorful dish that promises tender and succulent meat. The combination of lemon, garlic, and rosemary infuses the lamb with a refreshing and aromatic taste, while the addition of white wine and chicken broth creates a rich and savory sauce. The use of red potatoes adds a comforting and hearty element to the dish. Overall, this recipe is a wonderful choice for a special occasion or a comforting family meal, and the slow cooking process ensures that the lamb is beautifully tender and full of flavor.

Enhance Your Slow Cooker Leg of Lamb Recipe with These Unique Side Dishes:

Roasted Asparagus: Tender asparagus spears roasted to perfection with a hint of garlic and lemon zest.

Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes infused with roasted garlic and a touch of butter for the perfect side to complement the savory lamb.

Mixed Green Salad: A refreshing mix of crisp greens, cherry tomatoes, and cucumbers tossed in a tangy vinaigrette to balance out the richness of the lamb.

Alternative Recipes Similar to Slow Cooker Leg of Lamb

Roasted Vegetable Medley: Roast a variety of colorful vegetables with olive oil, garlic, and herbs for a flavorful and healthy side dish.

Braised Beef Short Ribs: Slowly braise beef short ribs in a rich red wine and tomato sauce until they are fall-off-the-bone tender and full of flavor.

Fresh Fruit Tart: Create a stunning dessert with a buttery tart crust filled with creamy pastry cream and topped with an assortment of fresh seasonal fruits.

Appetizer and Dessert Pairings for Slow Cooker Leg of Lamb

Appetizers:

Stuffed Mushrooms: Delight your guests with these savory stuffed mushrooms, filled with a rich and flavorful mixture of cream cheese, garlic, and herbs. The perfect bite-sized appetizer to kick off any meal.

Caprese Skewers: Impress your guests with these elegant Caprese skewers, featuring juicy cherry tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, and fragrant basil, drizzled with a balsamic glaze. A refreshing and colorful starter for any gathering.

Desserts:

Chocolate Mousse: Indulge in a rich and velvety chocolate mousse, topped with a dollop of whipped cream and a sprinkle of cocoa powder. The smooth texture and decadent flavor will satisfy any sweet tooth.

Apple Crisp: Savor the warm and comforting flavors of a homemade apple crisp, with tender baked apples and a crispy oat topping. Pair it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for the perfect balance of sweetness and warmth.

Why trust this Slow Cooker Leg of Lamb Recipe:

This slow cooker leg of lamb recipe guarantees tender, succulent results. The lemon juice and zest infuse the meat with bright, zesty flavors, while the olive oil locks in moisture. The combination of garlic and rosemary adds depth and aroma, elevating the dish to new heights. The addition of chicken broth and white wine creates a rich, savory sauce that perfectly complements the lamb and potatoes. Trust in this recipe for a delightful dining experience.

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FAQ:

Can I use a different type of meat for this recipe?

Yes, you can use a different type of meat such as beef or pork, but keep in mind that the cooking time and flavors may vary.

Can I skip the wine in this recipe?

Yes, you can skip the wine and substitute it with additional chicken broth for a similar depth of flavor.

Can I cook this recipe on high heat for a shorter time?

While it's possible to cook the recipe on high heat for a shorter time, slow cooking the lamb on low heat allows the flavors to develop and the meat to become tender and juicy.

Can I add other vegetables to the slow cooker?

Absolutely! You can add other vegetables such as carrots, onions, or bell peppers to the slow cooker for added flavor and variety.

Can I prepare this recipe in advance?

Yes, you can prepare the ingredients in advance and store them in the refrigerator until you're ready to cook. This can be a time-saving option for busy days.