Tavë Kosi (Kosovar Baked Lamb and Rice in Yogurt Custard)
Local name: Tavë kosi
In short: Tender lamb and rice baked under a golden, custard-like layer of yogurt and eggs, a comforting oven dish served warm in the pan. It takes about 2 h 5 min in total and makes 6 servings.
- Prep
- 25 min
- Cook
- 1 h 40 min
- Total
- 2 h 5 min
- Servings
- 6
- Difficulty
- Medium
- Calories
- 430 kcal
Tavë kosi means baked yogurt, and it is a favorite family dish in Kosovo. Cubes of lamb are cooked until tender, spread in a baking dish with a little rice, then covered with a thick mixture of yogurt and eggs and baked until the top is golden and set like a savory custard. The lamb is seasoned simply with oregano and black pepper. Serve it warm, straight from the dish, with a salad or pickled peppers.
Instructions
- Heat the butter and oil in a heavy pot over medium-high heat. Brown the lamb in two batches, about 4 minutes per batch, then return all of it to the pot.
- Season with the salt, pepper and oregano, add the hot water, cover and simmer on low heat for 45 to 50 minutes, until the lamb is tender. Add a splash of water if the pot looks dry.
- Meanwhile, boil the rice in a pan of salted water for 8 minutes, then drain it well.
- Heat the oven to 190°C (375°F). Uncover the lamb and boil the juices for a few minutes until about 120 ml (1/2 cup) remains. Mix the lamb, juices and rice in a 23 x 33 cm (9 x 13 in) baking dish and spread evenly.
- Whisk the cornstarch with 3 tbsp of the yogurt until smooth. Whisk in the remaining yogurt, then the eggs, garlic and salt, until smooth.
- Pour the yogurt mixture evenly over the lamb and rice. Bake for 35 to 40 minutes, until the top is puffed, golden in patches and set in the center.
- Rest the dish for 10 minutes, then serve warm.
Tips
- Use full-fat yogurt at room temperature. Cold or low-fat yogurt can split in the oven, and the cornstarch helps keep the custard smooth.
- Do not leave too much liquid under the topping, or it will not set. Boil the juices down first so only about 120 ml (1/2 cup) remains with the lamb and rice.
Questions and answers
Can I use chicken or beef instead of lamb?
Yes. Chicken thighs need about 30 minutes of simmering, and beef chuck needs about 1 1/2 hours, instead of 50 minutes for lamb. The yogurt topping stays the same.
Why did my yogurt topping curdle or turn watery?
Low-fat yogurt, cold yogurt or too much liquid under the topping can all cause it. Use full-fat yogurt at room temperature, add the cornstarch and bake at a moderate heat.
What do you serve with tavë kosi?
A simple salad of tomato and cucumber, pickled peppers and bread. It is a heavy dish, so keep the sides light.
How long does it take to make Tavë Kosi (Kosovar Baked Lamb and Rice in Yogurt Custard)?
About 2 h 5 min in total: 25 min of preparation and 1 h 40 min of cooking.
How many calories are in Tavë Kosi (Kosovar Baked Lamb and Rice in Yogurt Custard)?
About 430 kcal per serving, with 32 g of protein, 19 g of carbohydrates and 23 g of fat. These values are estimates.
Nutrition per serving
| Calories | 430 kcal |
|---|---|
| Protein | 32 g |
| Carbohydrates | 19 g |
| Fat | 23 g |
| Fiber | 0 g |
| Sugar | 8 g |
| Sodium | 700 mg |
Estimated values, calculated from the ingredients.
