September 4, 2020

Hanging American Lamb Leg

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Recipe Provided By
"Over The Fire Cooking"
Prep Time

25 min

Cook Time

4 hrs

Total Time

4 hrs 25 min

Servings

8 to 10

Hanging American Lamb Leg over a fire pit

Ingredients

Lamb

  • 1 whole American Lamb leg
  • 4 tablespoons olive oil
  • 4 tablespoons paprika
  • 4 tablespoons cumin
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Brine

  • 4 cups water
  • 2 rosemary sprigs
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 bunch thyme
  • 6 ounces red wine vinegar
  • 2 tablespoons paprika
  • 2 tablespoons cumin
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Directions

Using hardwoods (oak, hickory, cherry, apple, etc.), build a campfire; allow to breakdown for 30 minutes before cooking. 

While fire is burning down, season lamb with oil; then add paprika, cumin, salt and pepper. Make sure to cover the American lamb leg thoroughly with seasoning. 

In a pot, boil water. Add rosemary, garlic, thyme, vinegar, paprika, cumin, salt and pepper; simmer for 15 minutes. Pour brine into a bowl or squirt bottle to be used while lamb is cooking. 

When fire is broken down, place tri-pod or other hanging device over top. Create a circle with the logs by moving everything out of the center of the fire to the edges. This will allow the heat to cook the lamb leg from all directions. 

Hang lamb leg; let cook for 3-1/2 to 4 hours or until internal temperature is 135°F for medium-rare (125°F for rare, 145°F for medium-well). Continue to maintain heat for the fire at a medium to high intensity throughout the cook. Make sure to spray lamb leg with brine ever 30 minutes to maintain seasoning and prevent burning. 

Once lamb is cooked to your liking, pull off the fire; let rest for 3 minutes. The lamb will have various cook temperatures with it becoming more rare near the bone. Serve immediately after resting.

USDA recommends the following time and temperature parameters

Ground Lamb

Internal temperature of 160°F

All Other Cuts

Internal temperature of 145°F, with a 3 minute rest

thermometer timer illustration
Visit our Lamb Cooking Time & Temperature page for recipe inspiration and tips on preparing the perfect lamb.
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