Arni Psito
Roast Leg of Lamb, Greek Style
From New New York Times Cookbook, by Craig Claiborne

Note: Lamb is most loved by the Greek people. Arni tou galatos psito, or "roast baby lamb,'' is traditional at Easter and is a dish of great delicacy.

Ingredients:

5-pound leg of lamb
Salt and freshly ground pepper to taste
1 tablespoon oregano
1 garlic clove, halved
4 tablespoons butter
Juice of 1 large lemon
2 small onions, chopped
3 or 4 parsley sprigs
2 or 3 dried mushrooms, washed and chopped
1 cup water

Instructions:

1 Preheat the oven to 500°F (260°C).

2 Place lamb, skin side up, on a rack in an open roasting pan. Rub the meat with salt, pepper, oregano, and garlic.

3 Melt the butter, add the lemon juice, and pour over the meat. Add onions, parsley, mushrooms and 1/2 cup of the water to the pan. Place in the oven and roast 20 minutes.

4 Add the remaining 1/2 cup water, lower the oven temperature to 350°F (175°C) and roast to desired degree of doneness (140°F (60°C) on a meat thermometer for rare, 170°F (77°C) for medium). Baste occasionally.

Yield: 6 servings

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