Dinner

Tavë Kosi Baked Lamb and Yogurt

Name: Tavë Kosi Baked Lamb and Yogurt
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 110 min
Total time: 125 min
Ingredients: 600g Lamb, diced; 20g Butter; 2 tablespoons Olive oil; 70g Rice; 2 tsp Oregano; 450ml Water, boiling; 2 cloves Garlic, chopped; Salt, Pinch; Pepper, Pinch; 50g Butter; 2 tablespoons Flour; 750g Greek yogurt; 6 Eggs; Salt, Pinch; Pepper, Pinch

A traditional Albanian-style baked casserole of tender lamb and rice topped with a rich, golden Greek yogurt and egg custard.

2 hr 5 min
895 kcal

Mellowpan tip: This one takes a while. Save it for a slower day, and swap it in when the week allows.

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Ingredients

For 4 servings

Steps

Step 1:
In a large lidded pan, melt 20g of the butter with the olive oil over medium heat.
Step 2:
Add the diced lamb and brown it over medium heat for about 5 minutes.
5 min
Step 3:
Add the chopped garlic, oregano, 300ml of the water, salt, and pepper, and mix well.
Step 4:
Cover the pan and simmer for 50 minutes, stirring a couple of times to prevent the lamb from burning.
50 min
Step 5:
Add the remaining 150ml water and the rice. Mix, bring to the boil, cover, and cook for 10 minutes; check after about 8 minutes, aiming for evaporated liquid and a moist, oily coating over the lamb and rice.
10 min
Step 6:
Transfer the lamb and rice to a casserole dish, covering the base and leaving at least 2 inches of space for the yogurt mixture. Alternatively, divide it among four ceramic bowls.
Step 7:
In a small saucepan, melt the remaining 50g butter over medium heat. Add the flour and stir continuously for 2 minutes, adding a little extra flour if needed, until the roux is neither too thick nor too runny and has darkened slightly.
2 min
Step 8:
Pour the roux into a bowl and set aside.
Step 9:
In a mixing bowl, combine the Greek yogurt, eggs, salt, and pepper.
Step 10:
Add the roux and mix quickly for 1 minute until the roux and yogurt are thoroughly combined.
1 min
Step 11:
Pour the yogurt mixture over the lamb and rice, then sprinkle with a little oregano.
Step 12:
Bake on the bottom shelf of a 180°C oven for 35 minutes.
35 min
Step 13:
Move the dish to the middle shelf and bake for a further 10 minutes, until the yogurt has risen and formed a golden crust.
10 min
Step 14:
Leave to cool for 5 to 10 minutes before serving.
5–10 min