Chef John's centerpiece-worthy lamb is marinated in a mixture of pomegranate molasses, rosemary, garlic, and mint. Glaze with more pomegranate molasses after roasting.
Preparation Time
20 mins
Cooking Time
1 hr 45 mins
Total Time
2 hr 5 mins
Calories
344 Calories
Recipe Instructions
Step 1
Stir together 1/4 cup pomegranate molasses, garlic, rosemary, salt, black pepper, Aleppo pepper, mint, and cumin in a bowl until combined. Set aside.
Step 2
Lay lamb, fatty-side up, on a work surface. Cut 2 deep slashes in each fleshy end. Flip lamb and cut 10 to 20 shallow slashes across the surface of the fat.
Step 3
Spread 3/4 of the pomegranate molasses mixture over the flesh-side of lamb. Fold meat together and place into a large bowl. Spread remaining pomegranate molasses mixture over the fatty-side of lamb. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 8 hours to overnight.
Step 4
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Place a roasting rack in the bottom of a roasting pan.
Step 5
Remove lamb from marinade and discard excess marinade. Place lamb, fatty-side up, on a work surface. Tie the center section of lamb with kitchen twine to cinch roast together. Repeat ties four times along the length of roast.
Step 6
Season lamb with salt and place on the roasting rack in the prepared pan. Pour water below the rack to cover the bottom of the pan.
Step 7
Roast in the preheated oven until hot and slightly pink in the center, about 1 hour 45 minutes. An instant-read thermometer inserted into the center should read at least 135 degrees F (57 degrees C). Rest lamb for 15 minutes, then transfer to a plate and brush with remaining 1 tablespoon pomegranate molasses.
