Wolfgang Puck
I like to grill larger items that call for the indirect-heat method of grilling. By that, I mean the technique by which you turn the grill into a sort of outdoor oven, arranging the fire bed, whether charcoal, wood or gas-fueled, so that the heat source is under only half of the cooking area - either arranged around the perimeter or under just one-half of the bed. That way, you can first quickly sear whatever you're cooking directly over the heat; and then, once its surface is browned, move it off to the side and close the grill, so that the heat circulates around it, cooking it all the way through to your liking without excessively charring the exterior. One of my favorite things to cook slowly this way on the grill is a butterflied leg of lamb, as I do in the recipe that follows.
Ingredients
1 butterflied boneless leg of lamb, 5 to 6 lb. (2.5 to 3 kg) total weight
1/2 C. (125 ml) extra-virgin olive oil, plus extra for tomatoes
1/4 C. (60 ml) fresh lemon juice
1/4 C. (60 ml) balsamic vinegar
1/4 C. (60 ml) chopped scallions
1 Tbs. chopped garlic
1 Tbs. minced thyme leaves
1 Tbs. herbes de Provence
1/2 tsp. freshly ground black pepper
Kosher salt or coarse sea salt
Directions
Rinse the leg of lamb under cold running water. Pat it thoroughly dry with paper towels and place it in a roasting pan. In a mixing bowl, stir together the olive oil, lemon juice, vinegar, scallions, garlic, thyme, herbes de Provence and pepper. Pour this marinade over the lamb and turn the meat a few times to make sure it is thoroughly coated. Cover the pan and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or as long as overnight. In a charcoal or gas grill, prepare a fire for indirect-heat cooking, with the coals or flames under the perimeter or one side of the cooking grid.
While the fire heats, remove the meat from the refrigerator and the marinade, transferring it to a tray or platter. When the fire is hot, season the meat all over with salt. Place the meat directly over the heat and sear it well, about 15 minutes per side. Move the meat over the cooler part of the fire bed, cover the grill, and continue cooking until the lamb is done medium, 45 minutes to 1 hour depending on the size and thickness of the meat. Transfer the meat to a carving board, cover with aluminum foil, and let it rest for about 15 minutes.
Meanwhile, rub the tomato halves generously with some olive oil, sprinkle them with salt and pepper, and grill them directly over the heat until tender and nicely browned, 3 to 4 minutes per side. To serve, use a sharp knife to cut the meat across the grain and at a slight angle into slices about 1/4 inch (6 mm) thick. Accompany the carved lamb with the grilled tomato halves.
Yield: 6-8 servings
