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Buttermilk Brined Lamb With Mint & Pistachio Relish

Tender, succulent lamb is soaked in a tangy, spiced buttermilk brine, slow-roasted until juicy, and finished with a bright mint–pistachio relish. Rich meets refreshing in every bite—perfect for Sunday dinner or special occasions.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 3 hours
Total Time 1 day 3 hours
Course Main Course
Cuisine Mediterranean
Servings 8 people
Calories 480 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1/4 cup kosher salt
  • 1 tablespoon mustard powder
  • 1 tablespoon cumin seeds
  • 1 tablespoon coriander seeds
  • 1 tablespoon caraway seeds
  • 1 tablespoon fennel seeds
  • 1 lemon, peel strips
  • 3-4 cloves garlic, bruised
  • 2 cups water
  • 2 1/2 cups buttermilk
  • 3.5 lb leg of lamb (bone-in)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon honey
  • 2 tablespoons lemon juice
  • freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 1 tablespoon honey (for relish)
  • 2 tablespoons lemon juice (for relish)
  • 1/4 cup olive oil (for relish)
  • 1 cup fresh mint, finely chopped
  • 1/4 cup pistachios, chopped
  • salt and pepper, to taste
  • 1/2 cup crumbled feta (optional)

Instructions
 

  • Make the brine: In a saucepan, combine kosher salt, mustard powder, cumin, coriander, caraway, fennel, lemon peel, garlic, and water. Bring to a gentle simmer, stirring until the salt dissolves, then cool to room temperature.
  • Stir in the buttermilk once the brine is fully cool.
  • Brine the lamb: Place the leg of lamb in a large non-reactive container or zip bag and pour the brine over to submerge. Refrigerate 24 hours, turning once halfway through.
  • Roast: Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Remove lamb from brine and discard brine. Pat the lamb very dry with paper towels.
  • In a small bowl, mix olive oil, honey, lemon juice, and freshly ground black pepper. Rub the mixture all over the lamb and set it in a roasting pan. Pour about 2 cups water into the pan.
  • Cover the pan tightly with foil and roast for 2 1/2 hours.
  • Uncover, baste with pan juices, and roast another 30 minutes, or until browned and the internal temperature is 135–140°F (57–60°C) for medium (it will rise slightly as it rests).
  • Rest the lamb 15–20 minutes on a cutting board. Skim excess fat from pan juices and reduce briefly on the stovetop if desired.
  • Make the relish: Whisk honey, lemon juice, and olive oil in a bowl. Stir in chopped mint and pistachios; season with salt and pepper to taste.
  • Slice the lamb against the grain, spoon over pan juices, top with mint–pistachio relish, and garnish with feta if using. Serve warm.

Nutrition

Serving: 1peopleCalories: 480kcalCarbohydrates: 6gProtein: 40gFat: 32gSaturated Fat: 12gSodium: 780mgFiber: 1gSugar: 4g
Keyword Budget-Friendly Recipes, Buttermilk Brined Lamb, Easy Weeknight Dinners, High Protein Meals, Mint Pistachio Relish, Quick Family Meals, Roast Lamb
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