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5.0 from 3 votes

Tavë Kosi

Tavë kosi (or Elbasan tava) is a traditional Albanian dish made from rice and baked lamb, also popular in Greece and Turkey.

Prep Time
30 mins
Cook Time
2 hrs 30 mins
Total Time
2 hrs 40 mins
Servings: 8 people
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Balkan , Albanian

Ingredients

  • 3 lb boneless lamb shoulder , cut into 2-inch cubes
  • 9 tablespoons butter
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
  • ½ cup water
  • 3 cloves garlic , finely chopped
  • ⅓ cup long grain white rice
  • 1 tablespoon oregano
  • ½ cup flour
  • 20 oz. yogurt
  • 5 eggs
  • salt
  • pepper

Instructions

    Cup of Yum
  1. Heat 2 tablespoons of butter and the oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
  2. When the mixture is hot but not smoking, add the lamb and mix well.
  3. Cook, stirring regularly for 5 minutes or until the meat is golden brown.
  4. Add garlic and cook, stirring for 2 minutes, then add water.
  5. Bring to a boil and cook over low heat for 1 hour 30 minutes.
  6. Season with salt and pepper.
  7. Remove the lamb and reserve.
  8. Pour the rice and the oregano in ⅔ cup (160 ml) of the broth obtained and cook according to the package instructions. Reserve the rest of the broth.
  9. Preheat the oven to 350 F (180 C).
  10. Melt 6 tablespoons of butter in a saucepan.
  11. Add the flour to obtain a roux, then add a large ladle of reserved broth. Mix well.
  12. Remove from heat and let cool.
  13. Whisk the eggs for 1 minute then add the yogurt and whisk for 2 minutes.
  14. Add the broth and butter mixture and mix vigorously with a whisk until smooth.
  15. Add the cooled rice and season with salt and pepper.
  16. Spread the pieces of lamb at the bottom of a large baking dish, pour the egg mixture, sprinkle with the remaining butter, diced.
  17. Bake for 40 minutes.
  18. Serve immediately.