Tavë kosi (baked lamb with yogurt)

Method

1. 1

   Step 1

   Heat the oven (opens in a new tab) to 190 °C. Season the lamb with salt, pepper (opens in a new tab) and oregano (opens in a new tab), put it in a baking dish (opens in a new tab) with the butter (opens in a new tab), garlic (opens in a new tab) and water, cover with foil and roast for 1 hour until tender.

   • 60 min
   • 190°C
   • Oven (opens in a new tab)
   • Baking dish (opens in a new tab)

   

2. 2

   Step 2

   Uncover, raise the oven (opens in a new tab) to 200 °C, scatter the rice (if using) around the lamb into the juices and roast 15 minutes more until the meat is lightly browned.

   • 15 min
   • 200°C

   Food safety: Lamb should be tender and at least 70 °C.

3. 3

   Step 3

   Meanwhile melt the butter (opens in a new tab), stir in the flour and cook 2 minutes. Cool slightly, then whisk (opens in a new tab) in the yogurt (opens in a new tab), eggs (opens in a new tab), salt and nutmeg (opens in a new tab) until smooth.

   • 8 min
   • medium-low heat
   • Saucepan (opens in a new tab)
   • Whisk (opens in a new tab)

   Let the roux cool first so the yogurt doesn't split.

4. 4

   Step 4

   Turn the oven (opens in a new tab) back to 190 °C. Pour the yogurt (opens in a new tab) mixture over the lamb and bake for 35–40 minutes until puffed, set and golden in patches.

   • 40 min
   • 190°C

   Food safety: Bake until the egg custard is fully set.

5. 5

   Step 5

   Rest 10 minutes before serving.

   • 10 min