Easter Lamb Roast with Anchovy, Rosemary and Gravy

A traditional Easter centrepiece, roast leg of lamb suits generous carving and simple, robust seasoning. Here the bone-in joint is given a garlic, rosemary and anchovy rub, a classic savoury pairing where the anchovy disappears into the meat rather than tasting fishy, adding depth to the browned crust and pan juices. The lamb is roasted until tender and blushing, then rested before carving so the slices stay juicy. A white wine and lamb stock gravy makes good use of the roasting tin, while golden new potatoes and mint bring the familiar British Sunday-roast finish.
Cuisine style British roast dinner
Flavor profile Savoury • Herby • Umami-rich
Techniques Roasting • Deglazing • Pan gravy
Key equipment Roasting pan • Meat thermometer
Cooking style Hands-off cooking • Crowd-friendly

Why this recipe works

  • Deep savoury seasoning: Garlic, rosemary and anchovy create a concentrated rub that seasons the surface and adds depth as it roasts.
  • Hot start, gentle finish: An initial blast of heat browns the lamb before a lower roasting temperature cooks the joint more evenly.
  • Complete roast dinner feel: Roast potatoes, resting juices and a white wine gravy turn the lamb into a full, satisfying centrepiece.

Get the most out of this recipe

Timing notes

  • Take off the fridge chill: Letting the lamb stand briefly before roasting helps it cook more evenly from edge to centre.
  • Rest before carving: Resting the joint keeps the slices juicier and gives you time to finish the potatoes and gravy.
  • Carve at the last moment: Slice the lamb once the potatoes are golden and the gravy is ready, as carved lamb cools quickly.

Common mistakes

  • Rely on the thermometer: Check the thickest part away from the bone for the most accurate reading; for vulnerable diners, cook to at least 70°C (160°F).
  • Control the gravy texture: Whisk in the stock gradually so the flour incorporates smoothly, then simmer until glossy and lightly thickened.
  • Watch the pan juices: Use medium heat when making the gravy so the sticky roasting juices dissolve into the sauce rather than catching.

Ingredient notes

  • Anchovy adds depth: The anchovy melts into the rub during roasting, giving savoury complexity without making the lamb taste fishy.
  • Use fresh rosemary for the rub: Fresh rosemary releases aromatic oils into the garlic and anchovy paste more readily than dried rosemary.
  • Wine lifts the gravy: White wine loosens the browned roasting juices and balances the richness of the lamb stock.

Make-ahead tips

  • Prepare the rub ahead: The garlic, anchovy and rosemary paste can be mixed in advance and refrigerated, then brought back towards room temperature before using.
  • Store leftovers well: Keep leftover lamb and gravy in separate containers where possible so the meat reheats gently without becoming waterlogged.
  • Reheat gently: Warm lamb slices with a little gravy in a 180°C (355°F) oven until piping hot, and reheat the gravy gently without boiling hard.

Equipment you'll need

Ingredients
Instructions
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  1. Heat the oven to 220°C (430°F). Pat the lamb dry, then season all over with the fine sea salt and black pepper.
  2. Crush the garlic to a paste, then finely chop the anchovy fillets and rosemary leaves. Mix with the olive oil to make a thick rub.
  3. Using the tip of a small knife, make small slits all over the lamb and work the rub into the surface, pushing some into the slits. Set the lamb in a roasting pan.
  4. Roast for 20 minutes to brown the outside, then reduce the oven to 180°C (355°F). Continue roasting for 45 to 55 minutes for blushing lamb, or until a thermometer reads 55 to 60°C in the thickest part away from the bone.
  5. Meanwhile, put the new potatoes in a large pot of salted water and bring to the boil. Simmer for 12 to 15 minutes until just tender, then drain well and let them steam-dry in the colander.
  6. When the lamb is done, lift it onto a board and rest for 15 to 20 minutes, loosely covered. Keep the roasting pan and its juices for the gravy.
  7. Return the drained potatoes to the pot and toss with 1 tbsp of the olive oil from the measured amount, then season lightly with a pinch of salt and pepper. Spread them in the roasting pan alongside the resting lamb juices if there is space, or in the same pan once the lamb is out, and roast at 220°C (430°F) for 25 to 30 minutes, turning once, until golden.
  8. Place the roasting pan over a medium heat on the hob and sprinkle in the plain flour. Stir for 1 minute, scraping up the sticky bits, then pour in the white wine and bubble for 2 to 3 minutes until reduced slightly.
  9. Gradually whisk in the lamb stock and simmer for 5 to 8 minutes until glossy and lightly thickened. Stir in the dried mint, taste, and adjust seasoning with a little more salt and pepper if needed.
  10. Carve the lamb and serve with the roast potatoes and the white wine gravy. Spoon any resting juices from the board into the gravy for extra depth.

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Recipe notes

Tips

  • For the most even roasting, bring the lamb to room temperature for 30 minutes before it goes into the oven.
  • If you are serving anyone who is pregnant, elderly, or immunocompromised, cook the lamb to at least 70°C in the thickest part and rest well before carving.
  • If the gravy looks a little thin, simmer it for a few minutes longer; if it is too thick, loosen with a splash of lamb stock.

Substitutions

  • Replace Fresh rosemary with Fresh thyme for a softer, more floral herb note.
  • Replace White wine with Dry sherry for a richer, slightly nutty gravy.
  • Replace Plain flour with Cornflour for a gluten-free gravy; mix the cornflour with a little cold lamb stock first, then whisk it in and simmer until thickened.

Storage

  • Refrigerate up to 3 days
  • Cool leftovers quickly, then refrigerate within 2 hours. Store lamb and gravy separately if possible; reheat lamb slices in a 180°C (355°F) oven with a spoonful of gravy until piping hot, and reheat gravy gently in a saucepan without boiling hard.

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Easter Lamb Roast with Anchovy, Rosemary and Gravy
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Recipe overview

  • Servings: 4 servings
  • Total time: 2h 5min (30min active)
  • Difficulty: Medium
  • Cuisine: British
  • Allergens:
    Fish Gluten Wheat
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