Stuffed leg of lamb, Mallorcan style

Stuffed Leg of Lamb, Mallorcan Style

Mallorca, one of Spain’s Balearic Islands, is renowned for its rich culinary traditions that blend Mediterranean ingredients with unique local flavors. A stuffed leg of lamb is a centerpiece dish that reflects this heritage—an indulgent, flavorful meal that’s perfect for celebrations or a special Sunday dinner. Below is a recipe for preparing this dish Mallorcan style.

Ingredients:

For the Lamb:

• 1 boneless leg of lamb (approx. 4–5 lbs)
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1 tsp salt
• ½ tsp freshly ground black pepper

For the Stuffing:

• 1 cup stale bread, diced
• ½ cup whole milk
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 3 oz cured Mallorcan sobrasada (or chorizo, finely chopped)
• ½ cup almonds, roughly chopped
• ¼ cup raisins
• 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
• Zest of 1 lemon
• 1 large egg, beaten
• Salt and pepper to taste

For the Sauce:

• 1 cup dry white wine
• 1 cup chicken or lamb stock
• 2 tbsp tomato paste
• 1 sprig fresh rosemary
• 2 tbsp olive oil

Instructions:

Preparing the Lamb:

1. Butterfly the Lamb: If your lamb leg isn’t pre-butterflied, lay it flat on a cutting board and use a sharp knife to slice through the thickest part, opening it up like a book. The goal is to create an even layer for stuffing.
2. Season the Meat: Rub the inside of the lamb with garlic, olive oil, paprika, salt, and pepper. Let it marinate while preparing the stuffing.

Making the Stuffing:

1. Soak the Bread: Place diced bread in a bowl and pour milk over it. Allow it to soak for 5 minutes, then squeeze out excess milk.
2. Cook Aromatics: Heat a skillet over medium heat with a drizzle of olive oil. Sauté onion and garlic until softened and fragrant.
3. Combine Stuffing Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the soaked bread, sautéed onion mixture, sobrasada, almonds, raisins, parsley, lemon zest, and the beaten egg. Mix thoroughly, seasoning with salt and pepper.

Assembling the Lamb:

1. Fill the Lamb: Spread the stuffing evenly over the inside of the lamb. Roll it up tightly and secure with kitchen twine at 2-inch intervals.
2. Season the Exterior: Rub the outside of the lamb with olive oil, salt, pepper, and a touch of smoked paprika for added color.

Roasting the Lamb:

1. Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Sear the Lamb: Heat olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet or roasting pan over medium-high heat. Sear the lamb on all sides until browned.
3. Deglaze the Pan: Remove the lamb and add white wine, scraping up any browned bits. Add the chicken stock, tomato paste, and rosemary sprig, stirring to combine.
4. Roast: Return the lamb to the pan, place it in the oven, and roast for about 1 hour, or until the internal temperature reaches 135°F (57°C) for medium-rare or 145°F (63°C) for medium.
5. Rest: Remove the lamb from the oven, tent it with foil, and let it rest for 15 minutes before slicing.

Preparing the Sauce:

1. Reduce the Pan Juices: Place the skillet with the roasting juices over medium heat. Let it simmer and reduce until slightly thickened, about 5–7 minutes. Strain if desired.
2. Season to Taste: Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.

Serving:

1. Slice the Lamb: Remove the twine and carve the lamb into thick slices, revealing the colorful, aromatic stuffing.
2. Plate and Drizzle: Serve slices with the reduced sauce spooned over the top.
3. Accompaniments: Pair the lamb with roasted potatoes, sautéed seasonal vegetables, or a fresh green salad for a complete meal.

Tips for Success:

• Make Ahead: The lamb can be stuffed and tied a day ahead. Store it in the fridge, covered, and bring it to room temperature before roasting.
• Substitutions: If you can’t find sobrasada, use a similar cured sausage like spicy chorizo or even pancetta.
• Wine Pairing: A robust red wine such as Rioja or Priorat complements the flavors beautifully.

This Mallorcan-style stuffed leg of lamb is a show-stopping dish with bold Mediterranean flavors. Whether you’re serving it for a family gathering or a festive occasion, it’s sure to impress.