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DINNER

Tavë Kosi (Albanian Baked Lamb and Yogurt)

Tavë Kosi is a beloved Albanian dish featuring tender lamb baked in a rich, savory yogurt and egg custard. This comforting recipe offers a unique blend of flavors and textures, perfect for a hearty dinner.

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HOW TO MAKE IT

Let's cook.

01

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

02

In a large oven-safe pot or Dutch oven, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the lamb cubes, season with 1/2 teaspoon of salt and 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper, and sear until browned on all sides, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the lamb from the pot and set aside.

03

In a large bowl, whisk together 3 cups of plain whole milk yogurt, 2 large eggs, and 1/4 cup of all-purpose flour until smooth. This forms the custard base.

04

Return the seared lamb to the pot. Pour the yogurt mixture evenly over the lamb. Drizzle 1/4 cup of melted unsalted butter over the top of the custard.

05

Bake in the preheated oven for 60-70 minutes, or until the custard is set and golden brown on top. A knife inserted into the center should come out clean.

06

Let the Tavë Kosi rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. Serve warm.

About This Recipe

Tavë Kosi is a beloved Albanian dish featuring tender lamb baked in a rich, savory yogurt and egg custard. This comforting recipe offers a unique blend of flavors and textures, perfect for a hearty dinner.
Tavë Kosi (Albanian Baked Lamb and Yogurt)
Simple ingredients.
Big flavor.
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Chef's Tips

For an extra layer of flavor, you can add 1-2 cloves of minced garlic to the lamb while searing. Ensure your yogurt is at room temperature before mixing to prevent it from curdling when baked.
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Easy Substitutions

If lamb is unavailable, you can substitute with boneless, skinless chicken thighs cut into 1-inch pieces. For a vegetarian option, use large chunks of firm tofu or eggplant, pan-fried before adding the yogurt mixture.
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Storage & Reheating

Store leftover Tavë Kosi in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven at 300°F (150°C) or in the microwave until warmed through.
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