Tavë Kosi

Name: Tavë Kosi
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 75 min
Total time: 95 min
Yield: 6 servings
Cuisine: Kosovo
Ingredients: 1kg lamb, bone-in pieces; 2 cups plain yogurt; 2 eggs; 2 tbsp flour; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 2 tbsp butter; 1 tsp dried mint; Salt and pepper to taste; 1/2 cup rice (optional, traditional addition)

6 servings20 min prep75 min cookMedium Kosovo

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The Story Behind It

The Tale of Tavë Kosi

Story updated September 17, 2026

Tavë kosi, baked lamb in a tangy egg-and-yogurt sauce, is widely regarded as Albania's national dish and is equally beloved in Kosovo, part of a shared Albanian culinary tradition. Its name literally means "yogurt pan," referencing the custard-like topping that sets over the meat during baking.

Ingredients

Scale:· 6 servings

1kg lamb, bone-in pieces
2 cups plain yogurt
2 eggs
2 tbsp flour
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 tbsp butter
1 tsp dried mint
Salt and pepper to taste
1/2 cup rice (optional, traditional addition)

Instructions

1Season the lamb pieces with salt and pepper, then sear in butter in an oven-safe dish until browned on all sides.
2If using rice, scatter it around the meat along with a little water or stock, then bake covered at 180°C (350°F) for about 30 minutes until the lamb is mostly tender.
3Whisk together the yogurt, eggs, flour, and minced garlic until smooth to make the topping sauce.
4Remove the dish from the oven and pour the yogurt mixture evenly over the partially cooked lamb.
5Return the dish to the oven, uncovered, and bake for another 30-40 minutes until the topping is set and golden brown on top.
6Sprinkle with dried mint partway through baking for aroma.
7Let the dish rest for a few minutes before serving to allow the topping to firm up slightly.
8Serve hot directly from the baking dish.

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