Christmas Herb-Grilled Butterflied Lamb

At Mangaroa Farms, we believe in bringing kai to the table that honours the land, animals, and community. Our lambs are raised on nutrient-dense, regenerative pasture, ensuring every bite is rich not just in flavour but also in the quality that comes from mindful stewardship of the earth. This butterflied lamb leg is a celebration of natural, nutrient-rich farming, offering a taste that’s true to the heart of Aotearoa New Zealand.

Ingredients

• 1 butterflied lamb leg (about 1.5–2 kg), Mangaroa Farms regenerative lamb

• 4 garlic cloves, minced

• 3 tbsp fresh rosemary, finely chopped

• 2 tbsp fresh thyme, finely chopped

• 1 tbsp fresh mint, finely chopped

• Zest of 1 lemon

• Juice of 1 lemon

• 1/4 cup olive oil

• Salt and pepper to taste

• 1 tbsp honey (optional, for a touch of festive sweetness)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Marinade
   In a bowl, combine minced garlic, rosemary, thyme, mint, lemon zest, lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Stir well, creating a rich, aromatic paste. Optionally, add honey for a subtle sweetness.

2. Marinate the Lamb
   Place the butterflied lamb leg in a large dish or resealable bag. Pour the marinade over, massaging it into the meat to ensure every inch is infused with flavour. Cover and let marinate in the fridge for at least 4 hours, or ideally overnight.

3. Preheat and Prepare for Grilling or Roasting
   When ready to cook, preheat your grill or oven to medium-high (around 200°C for the oven). If grilling, ensure the grill grates are clean and lightly oiled.

4. Cook the Lamb

   • For Grilling: Place the lamb on the grill, cooking each side for 10–15 minutes for medium-rare, depending on thickness, until it’s seared with a beautifully caramelised exterior.

   • For Roasting: Lay the lamb flat on a roasting pan and cook in the oven for 25–30 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 60°C for medium-rare.

5. Rest and Serve
   Remove the lamb from heat and let it rest for 10–15 minutes to lock in the juices. Slice against the grain and serve with roasted vegetables, a fresh herb salad, or mint yoghurt on the side.

This Butterflied Lamb Leg is an elegant yet rustic centrepiece for Christmas, perfectly showcasing the depth and richness of Mangaroa Farms lamb—true to the principles of regenerative, sustainable farming that enhances our land and nourishes our communities.