Tav Kosi
May 25
5 min read
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A traditional Albanian baked lamb and yogurt casserole with a golden crust.
Tav Kosi is a classic Albanian dish that combines tender lamb, creamy yogurt, and aromatic spices. The lamb is baked in a rich and flavorful sauce made with eggs and yogurt, resulting in a creamy and comforting casserole. The dish is finished with a golden crust on top, adding a delightful texture. It is typically served with rice or bread.
Ingredients
- Lamb shoulder — 1.5 kilograms, bone-in
- Greek yogurt — 500 grams
- Eggs — 4
- Butter — 50 grams
- All-purpose flour — 2 tablespoons
- Garlic — 4 cloves, minced
- Dried oregano — 1 teaspoon
- Salt — to taste
- Black pepper — to taste
- Water — 1 cup
- Olive oil — 2 tablespoons
- Fresh parsley — for garnish
Directions
1. Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F).
2. Season the lamb shoulder with salt, pepper, and dried oregano. Rub the seasoning into the meat.
3. Heat olive oil in a large oven-safe pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Brown the lamb on all sides until golden brown. Remove the lamb from the pot and set aside.
4. In the same pot, melt the butter and add the minced garlic. Cook for a minute until fragrant.
5. Add the flour to the pot and stir well to form a roux. Cook for a few minutes until the roux turns golden brown.
6. Slowly whisk in the water to the pot, followed by the Greek yogurt. Mix well to combine and remove any lumps.
7. In a separate bowl, beat the eggs and then gradually add them to the yogurt mixture while whisking continuously.
8. Return the browned lamb shoulder to the pot and cover it with the yogurt mixture.
9. Cover the pot with a lid and transfer it to the preheated oven. Bake for about 2-3 hours or until the lamb is tender and the sauce has thickened.
10. Remove the lid and increase the oven temperature to 220°C (425°F). Bake for an additional 20-30 minutes or until the top of the casserole develops a golden crust.
11. Remove the Tav Kosi from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes.
12. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot with rice or bread.
13. Enjoy this delicious Albanian dish with its creamy and flavorful combination of lamb and yogurt.