Tavë Kosi (Albanian Baked Lamb and Rice with Yogurt)

Tavë kosi is Albania’s national dish: tender baked lamb and rice bound in a tangy, custardy yogurt sauce that puffs and browns in the oven. It’s rich and comforting, the sort of dish built for a Sunday table. A green salad on the side is really all it needs.

Ingredients

• For the lamb
• 2 lbs (900g) bone-in lamb shoulder, cut into chunks
• 2 tbsp butter
• 1/2 cup rice
• 1 cup water
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• For the yogurt sauce
• 3 cups plain full-fat yogurt
• 3 eggs
• 3 tbsp all-purpose flour
• 2 tbsp butter, melted
• 1/2 tsp salt

Instructions

1. Brown the lamb.
   Melt butter in a Dutch oven over medium-high heat and brown lamb chunks on all sides, about 8 minutes. Season with salt and pepper.
2. Simmer.
   Add 1 cup water, cover, and simmer over low heat for 45 minutes, until the lamb is tender.
3. Add the rice.
   Stir in rice and cook, covered, another 15 minutes, until the rice is just tender and most of the liquid is absorbed. Transfer everything to a buttered baking dish.
4. Make the yogurt sauce.
   Whisk yogurt, eggs, flour, melted butter, and salt until smooth. Pour evenly over the lamb and rice.
5. Bake.
   Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 35-40 minutes, until the top is puffed and deep golden brown.
6. Rest and serve.
   Let rest 10 minutes before serving; the sauce firms up as it cools slightly.