Lunch: Leg of Lamb "Black and Tan"

Recipe by Paul Kirk Inspired by Britain's classic drink — lager topped with stout — the sauce is a natural for lamb. Taste it and add more honey to offset any bitterness and get just the balance you want.

This recipe includes superfoods such as:

Lemon, Honey

Health benefits of Leg of Lamb "Black and Tan"

Lemons can help to prevent oxidative damage to the body, which women with PCOS are often susceptible to. Lemons are also rich in vitamin C, flavonoids, and other antioxidants. They can potentially support the immune system and have other health benefits. Lemons also have a low glycemic index, so they should not cause a rapid rise in blood sugar when consumed in natural form.

Honey, often hailed as a superfood, possesses a wealth of nutritional benefits that make it a valuable addition to a balanced diet. With a glycemic index (GI) of 55 for one tablespoon, honey is considered a moderate GI food. This means it does not spike blood sugar levels as high or as quickly as high-GI foods, making it a better choice for maintaining steady energy levels and supporting overall health.

Rich in antioxidants, including phenolic acids and flavonoids, honey offers protective benefits against oxidative stress and inflammation. These antioxidants can help combat the damage caused by free radicals, which are linked to chronic conditions such as heart disease and cancer. Furthermore, the natural sugars in honey can provide a quick energy boost, making it an excellent option for a pre-workout snack or a natural sweetener in beverages and meals.

Honey's benefits extend beyond its nutritional profile. Its antimicrobial properties make it a natural remedy for wounds and burns, promoting healing by providing a moist environment and acting as a barrier to infection. Additionally, honey has been used for centuries to soothe sore throats and coughs, thanks to its ability to coat the throat and reduce irritation.

However, it's important to consume honey in moderation. While it is a healthier alternative to refined sugar, it is still a form of sugar and can contribute to weight gain and other health issues if consumed in large amounts. For individuals with diabetes or those monitoring their blood sugar levels, it's crucial to account for honey's GI and its effects on blood sugar.

Choosing raw, unprocessed honey can also maximize its health benefits. Raw honey is more likely to retain its antioxidants and other beneficial compounds that can be lost during processing. Incorporating honey into your diet can be as simple as adding it to yogurt, drizzling it over oatmeal, or blending it into smoothies. Its natural sweetness and health-promoting properties make honey a superfood worth including in a healthy, balanced diet.

Ingredients

1 6 1/4-pound leg of lamb, boned, butterflied, trimmed of excess fat and sinew (reserve bone and trimmings for sauce)*
1 small onion, chopped
3/4 cup chopped peeled carrots
1 1/2 cups beef broth
1/2 cup Guinness Extra Stout
1/2 cup Harp lager beer
2 tablespoons honey mustard
Disposable 11 3/4x8 1/2x1 1/4-inch aluminum baking pan
1/3 cup balsamic vinegar
1 tablespoon granulated garlic
3 tablespoons lemon pepper seasoning
2 tablespoons (1/4 stick) chilled butter, cut into 4 cubes
1 teaspoon (or more) honey

Instructions

Preheat oven to 350 °F. Arrange lamb bone, trimmings, onion, and carrots in roasting pan. Roast until browned, stirring occasionally, about 1 hour.
Pour off fat and discard lamb bone from roasting pan. Place roasting pan over 2 burners; add broth and bring to boil, scraping up any browned bits. Strain into medium saucepan; discard solids in strainer. Add stout, lager, and mustard; boil until reduced to 3/4 cup, about 5 minutes.
Do ahead: Can be made 1 day ahead. Cover and refrigerate. Rewarm before finishing sauce.
Remove top rack from grill. Place disposable aluminum baking pan in center of barbecue (if using 2-burner gas grill, place pan on 1 side of grill). Add enough water to pan to reach depth of 1 inch.
Preheat barbecue (medium heat). If using charcoal grill, light briquettes in chimney and place half on each side of aluminum baking pan (you may need to light additional briquettes in chimney to replenish halfway through grilling time). If using 3-burner gas grill, light gas burners on left and right, leaving center burner off. If using 2-burner gas grill, light burners on side opposite disposable pan.
Place lamb on rimmed baking sheet. Brush lamb all over with balsamic vinegar; sprinkle all over with granulated garlic, then lemon pepper. Place lamb, rounded side up, on grill rack over aluminum pan. Cover grill and cook lamb until instant-read thermometer inserted into thickest part of lamb registers 125 °F for medium-rare (temperature of thinner parts of lamb will register between 135 °F and 145 °F and will vary from medium to well-done), maintaining temperature of barbecue between 350 °F and 375 °F, 1 to 1 1/2 hours. Transfer lamb to cutting board; let rest 10 minutes.
Bring sauce just to a boil over medium heat. Remove from heat and whisk in butter and honey. Serve with sliced lamb.