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Olive-Stuffed Leg of Lamb

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Olive-Stuffed Leg of LambChristopher Testani

Serve this with storebought flatbread or go to bonappetit.com/flatbread for Mullen's easy recipe.

Recipe information

  • Yield

    8 Servings

Ingredients

Lamb:

1 shallot, chopped
2 garlic cloves, chopped
1/2 cup pine nuts
1/2 cup pitted Kalamata olives
1/4 cup drained oil-packed anchovies
1/4 cup finely grated lemon zest
1/4 cup mint leaves
1/4 cup parsley leaves
2 tablespoons thyme leaves
1/2 cup olive oil, plus more
Kosher salt, freshly ground pepper
0 freshly ground pepper
1 3–4 pound piece butterflied boneless leg of lamb

Assembly:

2 cups soft sheep's-milk cheese or goat cheese
1 garlic clove, finely grated
2 teaspoons finely grated lemon zest
1/2 teaspoon thyme leaves
1/2 cup plus 1 tablespoon olive oil
Kosher salt, freshly ground pepper
0 freshly ground pepper
1 bunch watercress, trimmed
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
Flatbread (for serving)

Preparation

  1. Lamb:

    Step 1

    Preheat oven to 425°. Finely chop shallot, garlic, nuts, olives, anchovies, lemon zest, mint, parsley, and thyme in a food processor. With motor running, stream in 1/2 cup oil; process until blended. Season stuffing with salt and pepper.

    Step 2

    Unfold lamb on a cutting board and season with salt and pepper. Spread stuffing over top; roll up lamb from left to right. Position seam side down and tie closed with kitchen twine at 1 1/2" intervals crosswise, then once lengthwise. Transfer to a wire rack set inside a rimmed baking sheet; drizzle with oil.

    Step 3

    Roast until lamb is starting to brown, 30–40 minutes. Reduce temperature to 325° and continue to roast until a thermometer inserted into thickest part registers 125°, 35–45 minutes longer. Remove lamb from oven and tent with foil; let rest 15–20 minutes.

    Step 4

    Do ahead: Lamb can be stuffed and tied 1 day ahead; cover and chill. Bring to room temperature before roasting.

  2. Assembly:

    Step 5

    While lamb rests, process cheese, garlic, lemon zest, and thyme in food processor until light, fluffy, and smooth. With motor running, stream in 1/2 cup oil; process until blended. Season herbed cheese with salt and pepper.

    Step 6

    Dress watercress in a large bowl with lemon juice and remaining 1 tablespoon oil; season with salt and pepper. Slice lamb and serve with watercress, herbed cheese, and flatbread.

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