Tavë kosi

Albanian Tavë Kosi is a simple lamb and yogurt dish served with rice with oregano and garlic. The recipe is also known as Tav Elbasani and comes from the Albanian city of Elbasan. Tav Kosi is considered comfort food by some. The aroma of the soft, supple lamb roasted with rice, oregano, and garlic beneath a yogurt concoction is incredible. It also looks impressive when cooking, as the top rises over the saucepan and then descends as it cools, leaving a stunning golden delight. Local restaurants charge roughly €4 per person.

Ingredients:

50 g salted butter,1 tbsp olive oil,700 g lamb shoulder diced,2 garlic cloves crushed,1 tsp fresh oregano chopped finely,100 ml water,30 g plain flour,300 g natural greek yogurt,100 g long grain rice,2 eggs beaten,whole nutmeg,salt and pepper to season

Instructions:

• Preheat oven to 180°c/ 160°c fan/gas mark 4. Heat 20g of the butter and the oil in a pan. Brown the diced lamb.
• Once brown, add the crushed garlic clove, oregano, and water. Simmer for 30 minutes until the lamb is tender.
• Add the rice and season to taste. In a separate small pan, melt the rest of the butter. Add the flour and whisk to create a roux. Once combined, remove from heat and add yogurt. Whisk to combine. Add beaten egg and whisk again.
• Pour the sauce all over the lamb, distributing evenly. Bake in the oven for 20 minutes until brown on top. Grate over nutmeg and serve.