A little reason to celebrate

National Roast Leg of Lamb Day

Food · May 7

A food day for roast leg of lamb, the large bone-in or boneless cut that is seasoned, roasted slowly and carved at the table for a crowd.

National Roast Leg of Lamb Day falls on Friday, May 7, 2027. That is 192 days away.

A leg of lamb is the hind leg of a young sheep, and it is one of the larger cuts a home cook is likely to roast. It comes bone-in or boneless, and either way it tends to show up when there are enough people around the table to finish it.

The flavor is richer than beef and a little grassy. Garlic and rosemary are the classic partners, often pushed into small slits cut in the meat, with salt, pepper and olive oil rubbed over the outside. Some cooks add lemon, mustard, anchovy or a crust of herbs and breadcrumbs. The roast goes into the oven until the outside browns and the inside reaches the doneness the cook prefers, then it rests before carving so the juices settle.

Carving is part of the event. A bone-in leg has an awkward shape, and the slices come off in different sizes and shades, so everyone gets a slightly different piece. Mint sauce or mint jelly is a familiar side in many homes, while others prefer pan juices, yogurt sauce or a sharp green salsa. Roast potatoes and something green usually fill out the plate.

Leftovers are often the best reason to roast a whole leg. Cold lamb slices well for sandwiches, and chopped roast lamb works in shepherd's pie, flatbreads or a quick hash with the leftover potatoes.

Ways to celebrate

Roast a small boneless leg of lamb with garlic and rosemary.
Try a new sauce, such as yogurt with mint or a green herb salsa.
Ask a butcher how they would season and cook a leg of lamb.
Turn leftover roast lamb into sandwiches or a simple hash.
Share a family recipe for roast lamb with a friend.

Dates

Year	Date
2026	Thursday, May 7
2027	Friday, May 7
2028	Sunday, May 7
2029	Monday, May 7
2030	Tuesday, May 7

All national days on May 7

Also on May 7

Categories: Food days