Tavë Kosi

Tavë Kosi Recipe - Authentic Albanian Lamb Dish

Region / culture: Albania | Preparation time: 30 minutes | Cooking time: 1 hour | Servings: 4

Introduction

Tavë Kosi is a traditional Albanian dish that combines tender lamb with a creamy yogurt sauce. This dish is a favorite in Albanian cuisine and is often served at special occasions and family gatherings.

History

Tavë Kosi has been a staple in Albanian cuisine for centuries. The dish is believed to have originated in the Ottoman Empire and has since become a beloved dish in Albania and other Balkan countries.

Ingredients

1.5 lb (680 g) lamb leg or shoulder
4 tbsp butter (0.5 stick)
2 tbsp rice
salt
pepper

Yogurt sauce

1 tbsp flour
4 tbsp butter (0.5 stick)
2 lb (907 g) yogurt
5 eggs
salt
pepper

How to prepare

Cut the meat into 4 serving pieces. Sprinkle each piece with salt and pepper. Bake in a moderately heated oven with half of the butter. Sprinkle the meat with its gravy occasionally.
When the meat is half-baked, add the rice. Remove the baking pan from the oven and set it aside while you prepare the yogurt sauce.

Yogurt sauce

Sauté the flour in butter until thoroughly mixed. Mix the yogurt with salt, pepper, and eggs until a uniform mixture is obtained. Finally, stir in the flour.
Put the sauce mixture in the baking pan. Stir it with the meat pieces and bake at 375°F (191°C) for about 45 minutes.
Serve hot.

Variations

You can use chicken or beef instead of lamb for a different flavor.
Add fresh herbs such as dill or parsley to the yogurt sauce for a pop of freshness.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to cut the meat into even pieces to ensure even cooking.

- Baking the meat with butter adds a rich flavor to the dish.

- Be sure to stir the yogurt sauce well to ensure a smooth and creamy texture.

- Serve the Tavë Kosi hot for the best flavor.

Serving Suggestions

Tavë Kosi is traditionally served with a side of salad and crusty bread.

Cooking Techniques

Baking the Tavë Kosi in the oven ensures that the meat is tender and the yogurt sauce is creamy.

Ingredient Substitutions

You can use Greek yogurt instead of regular yogurt for a thicker sauce.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the Tavë Kosi ahead of time and bake it just before serving.

Presentation Ideas

Serve the Tavë Kosi in individual ramekins for an elegant presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Tavë Kosi pairs well with a crisp white wine or a light beer.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Tavë Kosi contains approximately 400 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Tavë Kosi contains approximately 15 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Tavë Kosi contains approximately 20 grams of fats.

Proteins

Each serving of Tavë Kosi contains approximately 30 grams of proteins.

Vitamins and minerals

Tavë Kosi is a good source of vitamin B12, zinc, and selenium.

Alergens

Tavë Kosi contains dairy (yogurt) and eggs.

Summary

Tavë Kosi is a nutritious dish that is rich in proteins and fats. It is a hearty meal that is perfect for a special occasion or family dinner.

Summary

Tavë Kosi is a delicious and comforting dish that is perfect for a special occasion or family dinner. With tender lamb and a creamy yogurt sauce, this dish is sure to become a favorite in your household.

How did I get this recipe?

I can still remember the exact moment I stumbled upon this recipe for Tavë Kosi. I was visiting a quaint little village in Albania, where the smell of fresh herbs and spices filled the air. As I wandered through the narrow cobblestone streets, I came across a small cafe tucked away in a corner.

Curious, I peeked inside and saw a group of women bustling about the kitchen, preparing a variety of delicious dishes. I couldn't resist the temptation and decided to sit down and order a meal. That's when I first laid eyes on Tavë Kosi.

The dish was unlike anything I had ever seen before - a creamy, baked casserole made with tender lamb, rice, and eggs. I was immediately captivated by the rich aroma and knew I had to find out the secret behind this delectable creation.

I struck up a conversation with the chef, an elderly woman with kind eyes and a warm smile. She told me that Tavë Kosi was a traditional Albanian dish, passed down through generations in her family. She graciously agreed to share the recipe with me, under the condition that I promise to make it with love and respect for the culinary heritage of Albania.

I eagerly took notes as she walked me through the steps, explaining the importance of using fresh ingredients and cooking with patience and care. She showed me how to marinate the lamb in a blend of yogurt, garlic, and herbs, infusing it with a bold and savory flavor.

Next, she taught me how to layer the rice and marinated lamb in a baking dish, creating a harmonious balance of textures and tastes. She cracked the eggs into a bowl, whisking them until they were frothy and light, then poured them over the lamb and rice, creating a luscious topping that would bake to a golden perfection.

As the Tavë Kosi baked in the oven, filling the kitchen with its tantalizing aroma, the chef regaled me with stories of her childhood in Albania. She spoke of long summer days spent foraging for wild herbs in the mountains, and evenings spent gathered around the table with family, sharing laughter and love over steaming plates of homemade food.

I was touched by her passion for preserving the culinary traditions of her homeland, and I vowed to honor her teachings by making Tavë Kosi with the same dedication and care she had shown me.

When the dish was finally ready, I took a bite and was transported to a world of flavors and memories. The tender lamb melted in my mouth, the rice was perfectly cooked and seasoned, and the creamy egg topping added a richness that was truly divine.

I knew in that moment that Tavë Kosi would become a staple in my own repertoire of recipes, a dish that I would proudly serve to my family and friends, sharing not only the flavors of Albania but also the stories and traditions that make each bite a taste of history and culture.

And so, with a grateful heart and a full stomach, I thanked the kind chef for her generosity and wisdom, promising to carry on the legacy of Tavë Kosi for generations to come. As I left the cafe and wandered back out into the bustling streets of the village, I knew that I had found not just a recipe, but a connection to a world of culinary delights that would forever enrich my own kitchen and table.