Slow-Roast Lamb with Cinnamon, Fennel & Citrus Recipe

Authentic Turkish Lamb recipe — Slow-roast lamb with cinnamon, fennel & citrus. Imported from TheMealDB.

Medium
Updated March 14, 2026

4

servings

Medium

Difficulty

Slow-Roast Lamb with Cinnamon, Fennel & Citrus Recipe

Ingredients

Servings:
4
  • 1 whole lamb leg (boneless)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1 teaspoon fennel seeds (crushed)
  • 2 oranges zest and juice
  • 1 lemon zest and juice
  • 4 cloves garlic (minced)
  • 1 cup vegetable broth
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper (freshly ground)

Instructions

6 steps

  1. Prepare the Marinade

    In a bowl, mix olive oil, ground cinnamon, crushed fennel seeds, minced garlic, orange zest, lemon zest, salt, and pepper.

    Let the marinade sit for 15 minutes to enhance flavors.
  2. Marinate the Lamb

    Rub the marinade all over the lamb leg, cover, and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight.

    For best results, marinate overnight.
  3. Preheat the Oven

    Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C).

    Ensure the oven is fully preheated before roasting.
  4. Prepare for Roasting

    Place the marinated lamb in a roasting pan and pour the vegetable broth around it.

    Use a rack if available to allow even cooking.
  5. Roast the Lamb

    Cover the pan with foil and roast in the preheated oven for about 3 to 4 hours, or until the lamb is tender.

    Baste the lamb every hour for moistness.
  6. Rest and Serve

    Remove the lamb from the oven, let it rest for 15 minutes before slicing. Serve with citrus sauce if desired.

    Resting allows the juices to redistribute.

💡 Tips & Tricks

Use fresh spices for better flavor. Adjust seasoning to taste. Serve with roasted vegetables or rice.

Storage & Reheating

❄️

Refrigerator

Up to 3 days in an airtight container

🧊

Freezer

Up to 2 months — thaw overnight in fridge

🔥

Reheat in a skillet or microwave until heated through.

What to Serve With

Complete your turkish meal with these perfect pairings:

🍽️Pita bread
🍽️Fresh salad with sumac
🍽️Cacık (yogurt dip)

About This Dish

Slow-Roast Lamb with Cinnamon, Fennel & Citrus Recipe is a beloved dish from Turkish cuisine.

Turkish cuisine is a fascinating blend of Central Asian, Middle Eastern, Mediterranean, and Balkan influences. It's considered one of the three great cuisines in the world alongside French and Chinese.

This recipe is rated medium difficulty and uses 10 ingredients. Intermediate cooks will enjoy the balanced challenge.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, you can use lamb shoulder or rack, but adjust cooking times accordingly.

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Nutrition Facts

4 serving(s) per recipe

Serving size1 serving
Calories350kcal
Total Fat20gg
Sodium600mgmg
Total Carbohydrates10gg
Dietary Fiber1gg
Total Sugars2gg
Protein30gg

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Values are approximate and may vary based on ingredients used.

Recipe Details

CuisineTurkish
CategoryDinner