1 Irish lamb leg (approx. 2kg /4lb 8oz)
3 carrots, peeled and cut into large chunks
3 large onions, roughly chopped
1 garlic bulb, halved horizontally
2-3 sprigs of rosemary
3 tbsp Olive Oil
25g flour
1⁄2 tsp. tomato puree
100ml red wine
300ml good quality meat stock
Salt & Pepper to season
Preheat the oven to 200C/400F/Gas Mark 6.
On a large roasting tray arrange large chunks of the carrots, garlic and onion to form a trivet to raise the meat off the roasting tray.
Lay the leg of lamb on top of the vegetables.
Using a sharp knife make a number of incisions to the fat of the lamb and stick sprigs of the rosemary in the fat. Season lightly with a little salt and pepper and drizzle with a little oil and roast in the oven for 1-11⁄2 hours (15 minutes per 1lb/450g for rare and 20 minutes for medium) turning over half way through.
Allow the meat to rest for at least 15 - 20 minutes before carving, this allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat and therefore it will be far more tender and juicy to eat.
While the leg is resting, prepare the sauce. Drain off the majority of the fat off the tray and put the tray on the stove top.
Sprinkle in the flour and add tomato puree and stir with a whisk until well coloured.
Gradually pour in the red wine and stock and continue to whisk until the mixture comes to the boil.
Sieve into a clean saucepan to remove any impurities.
Add the chopped rosemary and simmer for 4-5 minutes until reduced and thickened nicely. Adjust the seasoning and pour into a sauce boat to accompany the lamb.
Serve and enjoy with seasonal vegetables.