A beautiful mashup between the deliciousness of a lamb gyro and the appeal of a graze board. Leg of lamb is daubed with Greek flavors, then seared and roasted resulting in a glorious crust and a perfectly pink interior.
1large red onionhalved and very thinly sliced (pickled if desired)
Baby radishes with greensoptional
Pita breadto serve
Instructions
Preheat the oven to 375 F. Bring the lamb to room temperature, about 30 minutes out of the fridge, and pat it dry with paper towels. In a small bowl mix together the dried oregano, lemon zest, garlic and salt and pepper. Evenly rub the mixture over the lamb.
In a large skillet (large enough to hold the lamb roast), heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Sear the roast on all sides, turning so that it browns all over the exterior, about 12 minutes in total. Transfer the pan to the oven and roast until the meat registers 125 F in the center of a roast (for medium rare), using an internal thermometer, about 1 to 1 hour 20 minutes (start checking at 1 hour).
While the meat cooks, make the Spinach and Herb Salad. In a medium bowl combine the spinach, dill, parsley, oregano. Drizzle over the olive oil and lemon juice, and season with salt and pepper. Toss well.
Make the Garlicky Yogurt. In a small bowl, combine the Greek yogurt, lemon juice, minced garlic, coriander and salt and pepper.
When the lamb is cooked, transfer the roast to a cutting board, sprinkle it with the remaining tablespoon of lemon juice and let it rest for 20 minutes. Cut into very thin slices and place on a very large serving platter or board. Place the roasted tomatoes, sliced onions, radishes (if using), yogurt sauce and spinach salad into serving bowls. Place the pita in a separate bowl or basket. Let everyone assemble their own gyros.
Notes
What I love about this for entertaining is that you can do so much of it ahead of time, which is always terrific when you are having guests, and want to make merry instead of slogging away in the kitchen while your friends have all of the fun.Slice the onions, and pickle them if desired a day ahead, and also make the herb salad, the dressing, and the garlicky yogurt dip. Store it all in the fridge. Roast the lamb and slice it just before your guests arrive. Have the pita sliced in half and ready to go. Then all you have to do is arrange the platter at the appointed time, and be ready to go. And everyone assembled their own gyros, as they like.