Ingredients
AUSTRALIAN LAMB
1 Australian lamb leg, bone in 4 shallots, sliced
4 sprigs thyme
¾ cup pure maple syrup
¼ cup lemon juice
1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
PEAR AND CRANBERRY CHUTNEY
2 spring onions, sliced
3 pears, peeled and diced
¼ cup brown sugar
½ cup cranberries
½ cup cranberry juice
3 tablespoons red wine vinegar
1 cinnamon stick
2 tablespoons coarsely grated orange zest
SQUASH PUREE
2 pounds kabucha or butternut squash, peeled and diced
1/3 - ½ cup buttermilk
½ teaspoon nutmeg butter, optional
freshly ground pepper, to taste
Preparation
- Trim lamb of visible fat and cut 4 deep slashes down the flesh side. Divide shallots and thyme into the slashes.
- Combine maple syrup, lemon juice and balsamic vinegar. Brush half over the lamb and into the slashes. Reserve remaining mixture for basting. Allow flavors to infuse for 2-3 hours or overnight.
- To prepare the pear and cranberry chutney, combine all ingredients in large saucepan. Bring to a boil, reduce heat and simmer until mixture thickens, about 15-20 minutes. This can be prepared the day before and served warm or cold with the lamb.
- While bringing the lamb to room temperature, preheat oven to 350°F. Place lamb in a roasting pan and cook for 1 hour 45 minutes or until internal temperature reaches 130-135°F for medium rare. Baste with reserved marinade 3-4 times during cooking. Transfer to a warm dish, cover with foil and allow to stand 10-15 minutes before slicing.
- When lamb is nearly cooked, prepare the puree. Place diced squash in pan of cold, salted water. Bring to a boil and heat until tender. Drain and mash, season to taste with pepper, nutmeg, and (optional) butter. To serve, carve lamb and arrange on a warmed platter with chutney and puree. If desired, drizzle lamb with additional maple syrup and lemon juice.
