Recipe: Roasted lamb is an Easter Sunday classic

Easter is a religious holiday that occurs each spring. Easter commemorates and celebrates the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Easter is full of symbolism, but it's also steeped in traditions, including family meals.

Lamb is a popular Easter Sunday meal, and this recipe for “Roasted Lamb with Roasted Asparagus” from “Feast of the Seven Fishes: A Brooklyn Italian's Recipes Celebrating Food & Family” (Powerhouse Books) by Daniel Paterna can make for the perfect Easter entree. Lamb is most tender in spring and mild in flavor, and it pairs well with the earthiness of asparagus.

Roasted Lamb with Roasted Asparagus

Serves 8 to 10

Lamb:

• 1 leg of lamb or loin of lamb, about 4 to 5 pounds

• 5 garlic cloves, sliced

• 2 tablespoons olive oil

• 4 cups dry white wine

• 1 fresh bay leaf

• 4 sprigs fresh rosemary

• 4 to 5 sprigs fresh thyme

Cut small slits in the meat of the lamb with a sharp paring knife. Insert a slice of the garlic into each slit. Place the lamb in a large sealable plastic bag and add the olive oil, 2 cups white wine, bay leaf, rosemary, thyme, salt, and pepper. Seal the bag tightly and place in the refrigerator to marinate for 12 hours.

Remove the lamb from the fridge the next day, at least 4 hours before roasting. Keep the lamb sealed in the marinade bag and allow it to come to room temperature.

Heat the oven to 400 F. Remove the lamb from the bag with marinade. Place it on a rack in a roasting pan. Add 2 cups of wine. Roast for 1 1/2 hours or until the thermometer reads 150 to 160 F. Baste with drippings while roasting. Serve warm.

Asparagus:

• 4 pounds of asparagus, remove woody ends

• 2 cups coarse bread crumbs

• 1 cup grated Romano cheese

• 2 tablespoons garlic powder

• Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

• 4 large eggs

• Sea salt, to taste

1. Preheat the oven to 400 F.

2. Place the bread crumbs, cheese, garlic powder, and black pepper in a dish or bowl wide enough to hold the asparagus. Mix well to combine thoroughly.

3. Put the eggs in another dish or bowl of similar size and beat well. Working in batches, dip the spears into the egg, making sure they are coated well. Immediately place them in the bread crumb mixture and toss until each spear is fully coated. Transfer the breaded asparagus to a large baking sheet.

4. Place the asparagus in the preheated oven and bake for 30 minutes or until the breading is browned and crispy. Serve with wedges of fresh lemon.