This Leg of Lamb Pot Roast is one of those easy, no-fuss meals that slowly cooks into something really delicious. It’s made with simple ingredients – onions, tomatoes, and spices – all cooked together in one pot until the lamb is soft and the gravy is rich and full of flavour. I love that it can be prepared ahead of time. I actually made it the day before Easter Sunday, then just heated and finished it with a little cornstarch and final seasoning on the day. It made hosting so relaxed and stress-free.
It’s an ideal choice when you want something that’s extra special, but without spending the whole day in the kitchen.
My Go-To Gravy for the Best Results
If there’s one ingredient I absolutely swear by for this recipe, it’s Maggi Delicatessen Sosse zum Braten. This is my best best best gravy powder – nothing else quite compares.
I can’t easily find it in South Africa, so I always ask friends or family to bring it back for me when they travel. It’s one of those little kitchen staples that makes such a difference.
If you can get your hands on it, I highly recommend giving it a try. If you can’t find it, you can use a good quality gravy powder like Knorr.
MAGGI DELIKATESS Sosse zu Braten (Roast Gravy Mix) is a German roast gravy mix that creates a smooth, rich sauce with a deep savoury taste. It blends easily with water and delivers a consistent, well-balanced gravy ideal for roast meats.
Why You Will Love This Leg of Lamb Pot Roast Recipe
- It’s simple to prepare with everyday ingredients
- The lamb cooks slowly until it becomes soft and tender
- The gravy is rich and full of flavour
- It can be made ahead, which makes hosting so much easier
I really enjoy recipes like this for gatherings like Easter, where you want good food on the table without being tied to the kitchen all day. Served with something like Red Cabbage (which you can also make ahead of time) and roast potatoes, It’s a lovely option when you want a meal that feels thoughtful and well put together, but still enjoying time with your guests.
Leg of Lamb Pot Roast Recipe
Ingredients
- 1.8 kg leg of lamb 1 whole/63.5 oz
- 8 cloves of garlic
- 60 ml sunflower oil 4 Tbsp/2 oz
- 1 large onion chopped
- 2 tomatoes peeled and chopped
- 10 ml salt 2 tsp/0.35 oz
- Black pepper to taste
- 5 ml paprika 1 tsp/0.17 oz
- 1 bay leaf
- 4 –5 whole cloves
- 15 ml Knorr instant gravy 1 Tbsp/0.5 oz
- 1.4 L water 6 cups/48 oz add as needed
- 15 ml cornstarch 1 heaped Tbsp/0.5 oz mixed with cold water
Instructions
Prepare the Lamb
- Wash and pat dry the leg of lamb with paper towel. Trim any excess fat and remove any blue stamps. Cut each garlic clove in half. Use a sharp knife to make small slits all over the lamb and press a piece of garlic into each slit. Season generously with salt, black pepper, and paprika.
Brown the Meat
- Heat sunflower oil in a large pot over medium heat. Brown the lamb well on all sides, then remove from the pot and set aside.
Cook the Onions
- In the same pot, sauté the chopped onion until softened and lightly golden.
Build the Pot Roast
- Return the lamb to the pot. Add 1 L water (4 cups/34 oz), bay leaf, and cloves.
Prepare the Tomatoes
- Score an ‘X’ at the base of each tomato. Place in boiling water for about 5 minutes, then cool and peel. Chop and add to the pot.
Simmer
- Stir in the Knorr instant gravy. Cover and simmer on low heat for about 1½ hours. Add more water (about 250 ml / 1 cup/8.5 oz at a time) as needed to maintain the liquid level.
Check for Doneness
- Ensure the lamb is tender and fully cooked.
Adjust & Thicken
- Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Stir in the cornstarch slurry and simmer until the gravy thickens to your desired consistency.
Helpful Kitchen Tools
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Description: Ideal for browning and slow-simmering your leg of lamb. |
Description: Perfect for trimming the lamb. |
Description: A sturdy surface for prepping your onions, and garlic. |
Ideal for browning and slow-simmering your leg of lamb.
Perfect for trimming the lamb.
A sturdy surface for prepping your onions, and garlic.
Easter 2026 – Relaxed Sunday Lunch
I kept things simple this year with a relaxed Easter lunch with friends, and it turned out beautifully.
On the menu:
• Leg of Lamb Pot Roast with my German Red Cabbage (such a good side for roast meals!)
• Crispy Roast Potatoes
• Pudding: Vanilla Ice Cream Loaf Cake topped with blackberries, raspberries, and crushed meringue
One of my favourite things about this menu is that you don’t need to make everything from scratch. It’s really about good food, simple preparation, and presenting everything nicely. I even decanted store-bought ice cream into a loaf tin and served it on a platter, it looked so elegant.
For the table:
• Black & white “Happy Easter / Frohe Ostern” treats
• Serviettes folded into carrots 🥕
• My Easter egg wreath with delicate white flowers
• Simple bunny-style jars with ribbon, jute, two stems for ears, and soft white blooms
Simple, thoughtful, and full of charm, exactly how I love to celebrate.
Beautiful Easter Serviettes I Love
I’ve always loved collecting serviettes, especially german brand like IHR. They’re such an easy way to make a table look beautiful without much effort. It’s one of those small details that makes the table feel thoughtful and complete.
Below are a few of my favourite Easter serviettes – perfect for adding a simple but lovely touch to your table.
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More Sunday Lunch & Hosting Ideas
Looking for more Sunday lunch inspiration? My Slow -Braised Oxtail Stew and German Beef Goulash are both excellent slow-cooked options that are perfect for family-style meals.
For hosting ideas, you can also explore my Milestone Party and Tea Party for Him, where I share easy ways to create a beautiful and relaxed setting for your guests.
Save This for Your Next Sunday Lunch
