Overview
Albania's national specialty featuring baked lamb and rice wrapped in a savory garlic yogurt sauce.
IMG_1147
Dinner
Featured
Tavë Kosi
An authentic recipe for traditional Albanian Tavë Kosi, highlighting the harmonious combination of tender lamb, rice, and a savory baked yogurt crust.
Ready in
85 min
Makes 4 servings
Prep
25m
Cook
60m
Level
Medium
About this recipe
An authentic recipe for traditional Albanian Tavë Kosi, highlighting the harmonious combination of tender lamb, rice, and a savory baked yogurt crust.
Albania's national specialty featuring baked lamb and rice wrapped in a savory garlic yogurt sauce.
Ingredients
Main
Yogurt Sauce
Seasoning
Equipment
- Traditional earthenware baking dish or casserole dish Essential for authentic texture
- Mixing bowl For whisking yogurt sauce
- Whisk
Instructions
-
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Season the lamb pieces with salt and pepper.
-
In a baking dish or skillet, brown the lamb pieces in butter and olive oil until golden on all sides.
-
Add a little water, cover, and bake or simmer the lamb for about 20-30 minutes until partially tender.
20 min -
Scatter the rinsed rice around the lamb in the baking dish.
-
In a bowl, whisk together the thick yogurt, minced garlic, beaten eggs, flour, salt, and pepper to create the creamy sauce.
-
Pour the yogurt mixture evenly over the lamb and rice.
-
Bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes until the top turns a rich golden-brown and forms a custard-like crust.
40 min
Nutrition
Calories
520
Protein
38g
Carbs
26g
Fat
28g
Fiber
1g
Sugar
5g
Sodium
680mg
Serving Size
1 serving
Cooking Timeline
Recipe Scorecard
Overall
9.3
/10
Expert
4.9
95% conf.
Expert Review
Verdict
A truly comforting, culturally rich masterpiece that marries tender lamb with a uniquely tangy, garlic-infused yogurt crust.
Pros
- Distinctive flavor profile
- Inordinately tender meat
- Rich creamy texture
Cons
- Requires careful baking temperature to avoid curdling
AI Insights
Summary
An authentic recipe for traditional Albanian Tavë Kosi, highlighting the harmonious combination of tender lamb, rice, and a savory baked yogurt crust.
Tips
- Ensure the yogurt is at room temperature before mixing with eggs to prevent curdling
- Serve hot straight from the clay or earthenware dish for the best presentation
- Pair with crusty artisanal bread to scoop up the delicious garlic yogurt sauce
Substitutions
- Lamb shoulder → Veal or bone-in chicken pieces
- Plain yogurt → Thick Greek yogurt
Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven.
Pairing
- Fresh green salad with cucumber and tomatoes
- Crusty white bread
AI Cooking Assistant
Ask about substitutions, timing, or technique for this recipe.
FAQ
What kind of meat is traditionally used in Tavë Kosi?
Lamb is traditional, though kid goat or even veal is sometimes used depending on regional preferences.
Can I use regular thin yogurt?
It is best to use thick Greek yogurt or strain regular yogurt to prevent the sauce from curdling during baking.
Community Reviews
0.0
Community Average
0 reviews
0 verified cooks
4.9 expert rating
Sign in to discuss.
Sign in to ask a question.
No questions yet. Be the first to ask.
No photos uploaded yet.
Trending Recipes
Indian
60 min
Italian
35 min
Japanese
90 min
French
210 min
American
25 min
American
27 min
Seasonal Suggestions
American
260 min
Greek
45 min
Italian
30 min
55 min
35 min
Recently Viewed
50 min
110 min
Related Recipes
Pakistani
55 min
Vietnamese
390 min
37 min
Italian
35 min
Chinese
45 min
32 min
No discussion yet.