Prepare the lamb: Remove any excess fat from the lamb. Using the point of a sharp knife, make deep slits all over the leg. Place the lamb in a large non-reactive dish.
Prepare the lamb rub: Combine all the spice blend ingredients in a small bowl. Rub over the lamb, pressing it into the slits.
Marinate the lamb: In a food processor or blender, thoroughly blend the yogurt, nuts, and turmeric. Spread over the lamb. Drizzle the honey over the lamb, cover, and marinate for 1 day in the refrigerator, turning occasionally.
Roast the lamb: Preheat the oven to 450°F. Transfer the lamb to a roasting pan, cover (aluminum foil is fine), and cook for 30 minutes. Reduce the oven temperature to 350°F and cook for 1 3/4 hours more, or until meltingly tender. Uncover and serve warm or at room temperature.
Recipe Tips
Pro Tips for Perfect Kashmiri Lamb
Quality matters: Choose a high-quality leg of lamb with good marbling for the best results.
Don't rush the marination: The full 24 hours allows the spices and yogurt to properly tenderize and flavor the meat.
Deep slits are key: Make sure your knife cuts are deep enough to allow the marinade to penetrate well into the meat.
Temperature gauge: For perfect doneness, use a meat thermometer. For medium-rare, aim for 130-135°F (55-57°C) after resting.
Resting period: Don't skip the resting time before carving, as this allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat.