How to make Tave Kosi

Tave Kosi and its variations is considered as one of the national dishes of Albania. In its most common form, it consists of lamb baked with yoghurt, and sometimes rice. Similar in some ways to a moussaka, this is the perfect dish to make during the winter months.

Ingredients

• 70g/2½oz butter
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1.2kg/2lb 12oz boned lamb shoulder, cut into 5cm/2in cubes
• 4 garlic cloves, grated
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 60g/2¼oz long-grain rice, rinsed
• 50g/1¾oz plain flour
• 600ml/20fl oz yoghurt/kos
• 4 free-range eggs, beaten
• freshly grated nutmeg, to finish
• salt and freshly ground black pepper

Method

1. Preheat the oven to 180C/160C Fan/Gas 4.
2. Heat 20g/¾oz of the butter and the olive oil in a large lidded pan over a high heat. Brown the lamb in batches.
3. Return all the lamb to the pan. Add the garlic, oregano and 200ml/7fl oz water. Bring to a simmer and cook, covered with a lid, for about 45–60 minutes until the lamb is tender.
4. Stir in the rice, and season with salt and pepper. Transfer to a 3 litre/5¼ pint earthenware or other ovenproof dish.
5. Melt the remaining butter in a small saucepan, add the flour and make a roux, cook for 2 minutes, then take off the heat. Add the yoghurt and mix well, then return to the heat and cook gently for a couple of minutes. Take off the heat, add the beaten eggs and season with salt and pepper.
6. Pour the sauce over the lamb and rice mixture, grate fresh nutmeg on top and bake for 40–45 minutes until starting to turn golden-brown.
7. Remove from the oven and allow to sit for 5 minutes before serving. 

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