Leg Of Lamb W/ Rice And Onion Puree

1 Bone-in leg of spring lamb

5 Garlic cloves; peeled,

- cut into 1/4-in slivers 2 tb Olive oil

10 md Onions; finely sliced

1/2 tb Chopped fresh thyme leaves

-=OR=- 1 ts -Dried thyme

1/2 tb Salt; or as desired

White pepper 2 c Cooked rice

1/2 c Whipping cream

1 ts Nutmeg, freshly ground

PREHEAT OVEN TO 400F. Trim excess fat from the outside of the leg, leaving only a thin layer. Using a small knife, poke holes in the meat and stuff in slivers of garlic. Rub the surface of the lamb with olive oil. Mound onions and thyme in the middle of a roasting pan. Sprinkle the lamb with salt and pepper and place it, fat side down, on the onions. Place in the oven, reduce heat to 350F and roast 1 hour. Turn the lamb fat side up and return to the oven. Roast another 20-to-30 minutes for medium-rare or about 20 minutes per pound. A meat thermometer should read 145F for medium rare. Remove the pan from the oven and place the lamb on a cutting board. Let rest 15 minutes before carving. Scrape the onions into a food processor, add the rice, cream, nutmeg and desired salt, and pulse, scraping down the sides of the bowl, until a lumpy smooth puree is attained. When it's time to serve dinner, transfer the puree to a vegetable dish. Slice the lamb and arrange on a meat platter.