Ingredients
1 tablespoon lapsang souchong tea leaves
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1/2 teaspoon salt, more to taste
1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper, more to taste
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves, plus thyme sprigs for garnish
1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
1/2 leg of lamb, boned and butterflied, excess fat trimmed
1/2 cup dry red wine
1 tablespoon soft unsalted butter
Preparation
Combine tea, cumin, salt, pepper, garlic, thyme leaves and olive oil, and mix well. Place lamb in a dish and rub half the tea mixture on one side. Turn it over and slather the second side. If possible, set aside at room temperature up to 3 hours.
Heat oven to 450 degrees.
Place a large, heavy, ovenproof skillet, preferably cast iron, on the stove over high heat for 2 to 3 minutes. Place lamb in pan and sear until browned on the bottom, 1 1/2 to 2 minutes. Turn lamb and place pan in the oven. Roast for 12 to 15 minutes. An instant-read thermometer inserted in a thick part of the meat should register 120 degrees for medium-rare.
Remove lamb to a cutting board.
Add wine to skillet and cook on medium, scraping the pan, until it’s somewhat reduced. Whisk in butter, season with salt and pepper and turn off heat. Slice lamb and arrange on a large platter. Briefly reheat the sauce, spoon it over the meat, drop a few sprigs of thyme on top and serve.
