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Smoked Lamb Leg with Salsa Verde

Smoked Lamb Leg with Salsa Verde

By Traeger Kitchen

Savory, slow-smoked lamb leg combined with the tart tomatillo-based salsa verde is a match made in heaven makes for a spicy, tender dish perfect for entertaining.

Prep Time

30 Min

Cook Time

3 Hrs

Pellets

Oak

Ingredients

Number of People Serving

6

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Units of Measurement:
main
6 Clove Green Garlic, Unpeeled
1 Pound tomatillos, husked and washed
1 Small yellow onion, quartered
5 Whole serrano chile peppers
1 Tablespoon capers, drained
1/4 Cup cilantro, finely chopped
1/2 Teaspoon sugar
To Taste kosher salt
2 Tablespoon olive oil
1 Cup low sodium chicken broth
3 Tablespoon fresh squeezed lime juice
1 Whole Leg Of Lamb, Aitchbone Removed, Fat Trimmed to 1/4" Thick, and Tied
1 Head garlic, peeled
2 Tablespoon Rosemary, finely chopped
1 Teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

Step

  • 1

    When ready to cook, set temperature to high and preheat for 15 minutes. Thread garlic onto skewer. Grill garlic, tomatillos, onion quarters, and chiles until dark brown spots form on all sides, about 9 minutes for onion, 6 minutes for tomatillos and chilies, and 4 minutes for garlic.

    500 ˚F / 260 ˚C

    00:09

  • 2

    Remove everything from grill and place the chiles directly into a ziplock bag. Allow chiles to steam in bag for 15 minutes. Place a cast iron pan on grill, close lid and allow to preheat for 10 minutes.

  • 3

    Peel garlic and remove skin from chiles. Coarsely chop the onion, chiles, and garlic. Transfer tomatillos, cappers and all vegetables into blender. Add cilantro and 1/2 teaspoon sugar. Puree until smooth. Season to taste with kosher salt.

  • 4

    Add oil to preheated cast iron pan. Carefully add the tomatillo mixture and stir until slightly thickened, stirring often (about 2 minutes). Add broth and 2 tablespoons lime juice.

  • 5

    Close lid and allow mixture to reduce until it measures about 2-1/2 cups (about 15-20 minutes). Season the verde to taste with salt and more sugar and lime juice. Cool slightly, then cover and chill. Remove from grill and set temperature to 180℉.

  • 6

    Pat lamb dry and score fat by making shallow cuts all over with tip of a sharp small knife. Using a paring knife, make little incisions all over lamb and stuff with garlic cloves. Rub olive oil over lamb and liberally season with salt, pepper and rosemary. Let stand at room temperature for 30 minutes.

  • 7

    Place leg of lamb in center of grill. Smoke lamb on the Smoke setting for 30 minutes.

    180 ˚F / 82 ˚C

    00:30

  • 8

    Increase temperature 350℉ and cook until a thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the meat registers 130℉ (about 1-1/2 hours).

    350 ˚F / 177 ˚C

    130 ˚F / 54 ˚C

  • 9

    Transfer to a cutting board and let stand 15 to 25 minutes; the internal temperature will rise to 140℉ for medium-rare. Slice and serve with salsa verde. Enjoy! *Cook times will vary depending on set and ambient temperatures.

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