ROAST LEG OF LAMB ON A BED OF POTATOES AND WILTED GREENS

Roast Leg of Lamb on a Bed of Potatoes and Wilted Greens image

Yield Makes 8 servings

Number Of Ingredients 10

1 (6- to 8-pounds) leg of lamb, aitchbone removed by butcher and leg left untied
3 large garlic cloves, 2 thinly sliced and 1 minced
1 tablespoon chopped fresh thyme
2 teaspoons chopped fresh rosemary
4 pounds yellow-fleshed potatoes
7 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
4 teaspoons salt
1 teaspoon black pepper
2 tablespoons honey
1 1/4 pounds mixed tender greens (16 cups) such as arugula, mizuna, kale, or dandelion, tough stems or ribs removed

Steps:

Preheat oven to 350°F. Trim all fat and silver skin from lamb. Cut small slits all over lamb with a sharp knife and put a slice of garlic and a pinch of thyme and rosemary into each slit.
Peel potatoes and thinly slice about 1/16 inch thick with a mandoline or other manual slicer, then toss with 4 tablespoons oil, 1 1/2 teaspoons salt, and 1/2 teaspoon pepper in a large bowl. Spread potatoes evenly in a 17- by 12- by 2-inch casserole or roasting pan. Put lamb on top of potatoes, then rub with honey and sprinkle with remaining 2 1/2 teaspoons salt and 1/2 teaspoon pepper.
Roast lamb in middle of oven 1 hour, then drizzle with 1 tablespoon oil. Continue to roast until an instant-read thermometer inserted into thickest part of lamb (do not touch bone) registers 135°F for medium-rare, 30 to 45 minutes more. Let lamb stand, covered loosely with foil, 15 minutes.
While lamb stands, heat remaining 2 tablespoons oil in a 4- to 6-quart heavy pot over moderately high heat until hot but not smoking, then sauté minced garlic, stirring, until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Add a handful of greens and sauté, tossing with tongs, then add more greens as preceding ones wilt and sauté until all greens are wilted and tender, 5 to 6 minutes total. Season with salt and pepper.
Transfer lamb to a cutting board and carve, then serve with potatoes and greens.