Spiced butterflied leg of lamb with mango salad
The smoked chilli tamarind sauce stands up to the robust flavours in this easy grilled lamb recipe.
Ingredients
For the lamb
- 1.8kg/4lb boneless butterflied leg of lamb
- 1 tbsp ground cumin
- 1 tbsp ground cardamom
- 1 tbsp ground cinnamon
- 1 tbsp ground turmeric
- 1 tbsp coarse ground black pepper
- ½ tbsp ground cloves
- good splash rapeseed oil
For the roasted potatoes
- 2 large white sweet potatoes, peeled and cut into chunks
- 2 large potatoes, peeled and cut into chunks
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 10 garlic cloves, peeled
For the smoked chilli tamarind sauce
- 200ml/7fl oz high-quality beef or lamb stock
- 400g/14oz dark brown sugar
- 130²µ/4½´Ç³ú tamarind concentrate
- 100ml/3½fl oz pomegranate molasses
- 20g/¾oz smoked chipotle chilli paste
For the mango salad
Method
Score small incisions into the lamb with a sharp knife. Mix together the spices and the oil and rub into the skin. Cover and leave to marinate in the fridge overnight, or for at least an hour.
For the sweet potatoes, preheat the oven to 200C/180C Fan/Gas 6.
Boil the potatoes in salted water for 5 minutes, drain and leave to air-dry.
Pour the oil into a deep baking tray and put in the oven for 5 minutes. Remove the tray from the oven, then add the potatoes and garlic. Stir well and return the tray to the oven for 35¬–40 minutes.
For the sauce, put all the ingredients into a saucepan placed over a medium heat. Cook until the sugar is dissolved and the sauce has thickened until it can coat the back of a spoon.
When you are ready to cook the lamb, heat a griddle pan over a high heat. Griddle the lamb for 4–5 minutes until caramelised, turning halfway though. Brush the lamb with the chilli and tamarind sauce, reduce the heat and leave the lamb to cook for another 8 minutes. Turn over and cook for a further 8 minutes. Transfer to a board and leave to rest for 15 minutes before carving.
Meanwhile, to make the mango salad, place the mango and herbs into a large bowl. Mix the lemon and oil together in a small jar and drizzle over the salad.
Slice the lamb and place onto a platter. Scatter the potatoes around the lamb and drizzle with the sauce. Serve alongside the mango salad.