Overview
Albania's beloved national casserole featuring baked lamb, rice, and a luscious garlic-yogurt sauce.
IMG_1089
Dinner
Featured
Tavë Kosi (Albania)
An authentic recipe for traditional Albanian Tavë Kosi, featuring tender baked lamb and rice smothered in a creamy, golden garlic-yogurt sauce.
Ready in
85 min
Makes 6 servings
Prep
25m
Cook
60m
Level
Medium
About this recipe
An authentic recipe for traditional Albanian Tavë Kosi, featuring tender baked lamb and rice smothered in a creamy, golden garlic-yogurt sauce.
Albania's beloved national casserole featuring baked lamb, rice, and a luscious garlic-yogurt sauce.
Ingredients
Main
Sauce
Seasoning
Equipment
- Earthenware or ceramic baking dish (Tavë) Traditional for authentic results
- Skillet For browning meat
- Whisk and mixing bowl For yogurt sauce
Instructions
-
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Season lamb pieces with salt, pepper, and oregano.
-
Heat olive oil and a tablespoon of butter in a pan, then brown the lamb pieces on all sides until golden. Remove and set aside.
20 min -
In the same pan or a baking dish, lightly sauté the rinsed rice with the pan juices for 2 minutes.
-
Place the browned lamb over the rice bed in a traditional earthenware or ceramic baking dish. Add a cup of water or warm broth, and bake for 30 minutes until the lamb is tender and rice absorbs the liquid.
-
In a large bowl, whisk together the whole milk yogurt, minced garlic, beaten eggs, flour, salt, and pepper until smooth.
-
Pour the yogurt mixture evenly over the baked lamb and rice. Dot with remaining butter and return to the oven for another 25-30 minutes until the top is golden brown and bubbly.
30 min
Nutrition
Calories
480
Protein
34g
Carbs
22g
Fat
28g
Fiber
1g
Sugar
5g
Sodium
520mg
Serving Size
1 serving
Cooking Timeline
Recipe Scorecard
Overall
9.4
/10
Expert
4.9
95% conf.
Expert Review
Verdict
An exceptional, comforting Albanian classic that balances tender lamb with a wonderfully tangy, rich baked yogurt crust.
Pros
- Rich and comforting flavor
- Unique yogurt crust
- National culinary treasure
Cons
- Requires careful baking temperature to prevent yogurt from separating
AI Insights
Summary
An authentic recipe for traditional Albanian Tavë Kosi, featuring tender baked lamb and rice smothered in a creamy, golden garlic-yogurt sauce.
Tips
- Parboil the lamb slightly if you prefer it extra melt-in-your-mouth tender before baking
- Let the dish rest for 10 minutes after removing from the oven so the yogurt sauce sets properly
- Serve hot with a side of crusty artisan bread and a crisp fresh salad
Substitutions
- Lamb shoulder → Veal or chicken pieces
- Plain yogurt → Greek yogurt
Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven.
Pairing
- Crusty peasant bread
- Cucumber and tomato salad with feta
AI Cooking Assistant
Ask about substitutions, timing, or technique for this recipe.
FAQ
What kind of meat is traditionally used for Tavë Kosi?
Lamb is traditional, though veal or chicken can also be used as alternatives.
Can I use low-fat yogurt?
Whole milk yogurt is recommended to achieve the rich, creamy texture and 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
Related Recipes
Pakistani
55 min
Vietnamese
390 min
37 min
Italian
35 min
Chinese
45 min
32 min
No discussion yet.