Description
A comforting baked yogurt and lamb dish with a creamy custard-like topping and savory, tender meat, perfect for gatherings or cozy dinners.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1.5 lbs lamb, cut into pieces (shoulder or leg)
- 2 cups plain yogurt (whole-milk recommended)
- 1 cup uncooked white rice
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 large eggs
- 2 cups water or lamb broth
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until translucent, about 5–7 minutes.
- Add the lamb pieces to the skillet and brown them on all sides. Season with salt and pepper.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk the yogurt and eggs together until smooth. Stir in the uncooked rice until evenly distributed.
- In a large baking dish, layer the browned lamb and pour the yogurt–egg–rice mixture over it. Add 2 cups of water or lamb broth.
- Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake for about 1.5 hours, or until the lamb is tender and the rice is cooked through.
- Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15–20 minutes until the top is golden and set but still slightly custardy.
- Let cool slightly before serving, garnish with fresh parsley, and enjoy your Tavë Kosi.
Notes
For a tangier custard, use Greek yogurt. If using brown rice, increase liquid and baking time slightly.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 105 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Albanian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 577
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 325mg
- Fat: 34g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 1.5g
- Protein: 37g
- Cholesterol: 0mg