Janjetina – Roast Lamb with Mediterranean Herbs

Janjetina – Roast Lamb With Mediterranean Herbs
  • Janjetina - Croatian Herb-Roasted Lamb Leg (Festive Dish)
  • Janjetina: a whole lamb roast seasoned with rosemary, oregano and garlic. Slow-roasted to tender perfection, this lamb makes any feast special.

Janjetina is the Croatian word for lamb, and it represents one of the country’s most cherished celebratory dishes. In coastal regions, especially Dalmatia, a young lamb is roasted slowly with fragrant Mediterranean herbs like rosemary, garlic, and oregano. The traditional method, called pod střechou, involves cooking the meat under a bell-shaped lid over coals, allowing it to braise in its own juices. At home, this dish is often recreated in a Dutch oven or heavy baking dish with a tight lid.

The magic of Janjetina lies in simplicity: the lamb’s natural flavor shines with just olive oil, garlic, and fresh herbs. As it roasts for hours, the meat becomes fall-apart tender and infused with smoke-kissed notes if made outdoors. It’s commonly served with roasted potatoes and vegetables that have cooked alongside the lamb, soaking up those savory drippings. This roast lamb brings families together on festive occasions, offering a melt-in-your-mouth texture and a rich, aromatic taste that feels both rustic and special.

Janjetina - Croatian Herb-Roasted Lamb Leg (Festive Dish)
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Janjetina - Croatian Herb-Roasted Lamb Leg (Festive Dish)

Recept od Cestovní S pomocník
Porce

4

porce
Čas na přípravu

30

zápis
Doba vaření

40

zápis
Kalorie

300

kcal

This recipe yields a Mediterranean-style roast lamb (janjetina) suitable for about six people. A leg or shoulder of lamb is rubbed with salt, pepper, and herbs, then layered over potatoes and onions. It roasts in the oven for a few hours until the meat is tender and juices create a natural sauce. Each serving offers succulent lamb with a golden crust, accented by garlic and rosemary aromas, and tender, herb-flecked potatoes on the side.

Ingredience

  • 2 kg (4–5 lb) lamb leg or shoulder, bone-in, trimmed of excess fat (young lamb preferred)

  • 4–5 cloves garlic, minced or sliced (infuses the meat with flavor)

  • 2–3 sprigs fresh rosemary (or 2 tsp dried)

  • 2 tsp dried oregano (or herbes de Provence blend)

  • 4 large potatoes, peeled and thickly sliced (for roasting alongside)

  • 3 large onions, peeled and quartered

  • 60 ml (1/4 cup) olive oil (plus extra for drizzling)

  • 120 ml (1/2 cup) white wine (optional but recommended)

  • 120 ml (1/2 cup) water or lamb broth

  • Sůl a pepř, to taste (generous salt enhances flavor)

  • Citronové klínky, for serving (brightens rich roast)

  • Fresh parsley or mint, chopped (for garnish, optional)

Pokyny

  • Season the lamb: Rub the lamb all over with salt, pepper, garlic, oregano, and olive oil. Optionally, marinate it covered in the fridge for a few hours or overnight with fresh rosemary and oil for deeper flavor.

  • Připravte zeleninu: Arrange sliced potatoes and onion quarters in the bottom of a heavy roasting pan or Dutch oven. Drizzle with a little olive oil and season with salt and pepper.

  • Add the lamb and herbs: Place the seasoned lamb on top of the vegetables in the pan. Tuck rosemary sprigs around the meat and drizzle any remaining oil over the lamb.

  • Add liquids: Pour the white wine and water (or broth) into the pan around the lamb. The liquid should come up at least an inch; add more water if needed.

  • Cook under cover: Cover the pan tightly with a lid or foil. Roast in a preheated oven at 180°C (350°F) for about 2–2.5 hours. Check after 1 hour and baste the lamb with its juices or add a splash more water if the pan looks dry.

  • Check for tenderness: After 2 hours, test the lamb with a fork – it should be very tender and easily pulled apart. If not, continue cooking for another 15–30 minutes, checking occasionally.

  • Odpočiňte a podávejte: Remove the lamb from the oven and let it rest for 10–15 minutes before carving. Serve with the roasted potatoes and onions, spooning pan juices over the meat. Garnish with lemon wedges and chopped parsley or mint.

Tipy, řešení problémů a varianty

  • Návrhy na servírování a kombinace

    Serve sliced roast lamb with the pan-roasted potatoes and onions on the side. The potatoes will be golden and infused with garlic-herb flavor. A simple tomato and cucumber salad dressed with olive oil and parsley cuts the richness. Grilled vegetables (zucchini, bell peppers) also pair nicely. Pair with a robust Croatian red wine like Plavac Mali or a flavorful white (Grk) to complement the lamb. A light beer can refresh the palate.

  • Skladování a ohřívání

    Refrigerate: Leftovers can be chilled and stored for up to 3 days. The meat stays moist and can even taste better after sitting with the juices. Reheat: Warm gently in a covered pan over low heat with a splash of broth or wine to keep it tender. Reheated lamb should reach 70°C (160°F) before serving. Avoid high heat to prevent drying out. Freeze: Shred the meat and freeze with a bit of sauce in a sealed container for up to 1 month.

  • Variace a substituce

    Different herbs: Substitute rosemary with fresh thyme or bay leaves if preferred. Lemon zest on the lamb before roasting adds bright notes. Additional vegetables: Add carrots, celery or parsnips to the roasting pan for more variety. Bell peppers or cherry tomatoes could be added in the last hour of cooking. Spit roast: If you have a barbecue, cooking the whole lamb on a spit over coals yields a smoky flavor (traditional festival method). Faster method: Cut the lamb into large chunks and sear on all sides before braising. This reduces oven time but the result is still tender.

  • Tipy šéfkuchaře

    Even layers: Arrange potato slices in a single layer at the bottom to ensure even roasting. Seal tightly: Make sure the roasting pan is well-sealed so the steam basts the meat. Use foil under the lid if needed. Monitor liquid: Check early so the liquid does not fully evaporate. Add water gradually if the pan dries out.

  • Potřebné vybavení

    Large roasting pan or Dutch oven with lid. Meat thermometer (optional). Oven (180°C / 350°F capability). Sharp carving knife. Basting spoon or brush. Serving platter.

Nutrition Facts (Estimated, per serving)

Kalorie Carbohydrates (g) Bílkoviny (g) Tuk (g) Fiber (g) Sodium (mg) Alergeny
800 20 50 90 5 200 Žádný

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