Spiced leg of lamb with roasted chilli yoghurt and salad

Tender spiced lamb, slow-roasted until succulent, pairs beautifully with smoky roasted chilli yoghurt and a fresh, herby salad. Middle Eastern-inspired flavours make this dish bold, aromatic, and perfect for sharing.

By Matt Tebbutt
From Saturday Kitchen

With lean lamb balanced by yoghurt and plenty of fresh vegetables and herbs, this dish earns a Nutri-score of C. It is protein-rich but moderated by fats and nuts.

Ingredients

For the marinade

• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1 tsp ground allspice
• 1 tbsp smoked paprika
• 1 tbsp ground cumin
• 1 tbsp ground coriander
• 2 oranges, zest and juice
• 4 garlic cloves, crushed
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp ground black pepper
• Pinch salt
• 1 whole leg of lamb, on the bone

For the chilli yoghurt

• 400g/14oz roasted red peppers
• 8 red finger chillies
• 2 tsp sweet smoked paprika
• 250ml/9fl oz Greek-style yoghurt
• To taste salt and black pepper

For the salad

• 2 tbsp sumac
• 2 beef tomatoes, chopped
• 100g/3½oz radishes, chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, crushed
• 10g/⅓oz fresh flatleaf parsley
• 10g/⅓oz fresh coriander
• 10g/⅓oz fresh mint
• 6 spring onions, chopped
• 200g/7oz pine nuts, toasted
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 lemon, juice only
• 25ml/¾ fl oz muscatel vinegar
• To taste salt and freshly ground black pepper

Method

1. Make the Marinade: Mix spices, orange zest and juice, garlic, oil, pepper, and salt in a bowl.
2. Prepare the Lamb: Slash the lamb all over with a sharp knife and rub in the marinade. Cover and marinate in the fridge overnight, or at least 1 hour.
3. Roast: Heat the oven to 240C/220C Fan/Gas 9. Place lamb in a large baking tray and roast 30 minutes to blister. Reduce oven to 200C/180C Fan/Gas 6 and cook for about 1 hour, until pink (internal temperature 60C). Rest lamb until warm or room temperature.
4. Chilli Yoghurt: Roast chillies and peppers 30–40 minutes until blackened, or grill. Peel and discard skins and seeds. Blend with paprika and yoghurt until smooth. Season to taste.
5. Salad: Mix tomatoes, radishes, garlic, herbs, spring onions, pine nuts, olive oil, lemon juice, and vinegar in a large bowl. Season.
6. Serve: Spread chilli yoghurt on a platter, arrange thin slices of lamb over it, and scatter the herby salad on top.

Tips & Serving Suggestions

• For gentler spice, reduce the number of chillies or remove the seeds.
• Leftover lamb makes excellent wraps with flatbreads and extra yoghurt.
• Briefly toasting the spices before mixing deepens their flavour.

What can you serve with this

1. Flatbreads: Great for scooping up lamb, yoghurt, and salad.
2. Rice pilaf: A fluffy, aromatic side that absorbs the juices well.
3. Grilled aubergines: Smoky vegetables that echo the chilli yoghurt flavours.

Suggested Wine Pairing

Spiced leg of lamb calls for wines with robust fruit, subtle spice, and enough body to balance the intensity of roasted chilli yoghurt and aromatic salad. Here are three top picks under £12.50:

• Majestic – Definition Côtes du Rhône

  Deep crimson, this classic Rhone blend offers blackberry and dark cherry notes layered with black pepper and gentle garrigue herbs. Its ripe tannins and spicy finish wrap beautifully around lamb’s rich flavours and elevate the dish’s Middle Eastern spice.

• Tesco – Finest Rioja Crianza

  This youthful Rioja shows plenty of red fruit, a hint of vanilla, and a touch of earthiness. The wine’s balance of lively acidity and gentle oak ageing stands up to the roasted meat while playing well with chilli yoghurt’s creamy heat and the freshness of the salad.

• Sainsbury’s – Taste the Difference Argentinian Malbec

  Plush and juicy, this Malbec bursts with plum and blackberry, wrapped in soft tannins and a dash of peppery spice. It matches perfectly with tender lamb and compliments both the smokiness of the roasted chilli and aromatic herbs.

FAQs for Spiced Leg of Lamb

• Can I prepare the lamb ahead? Yes, marinate the night before for deeper flavour.
• How do I know when lamb is cooked? Use a thermometer—60C for pink, 70C for medium.
• Can I swap the yoghurt? Yes, try labneh or a dairy-free yoghurt.
• What salad greens can I use? Add rocket, cucumber, or lettuce for variety.
• Is this recipe spicy? It depends on the chillies—adjust to taste by removing seeds.

Nutri-score Health Check