Worth The Hunt
The Recipe · No.1246 · Tave Kosi

Tave Kosi, and where to source it

Tave Kosi — Worth The Hunt WORTH THE HUNT Tave Kosi Albanian 5best2buy.com

Whisk the yogurt with egg and a cooked butter-flour roux before baking, since the roux is what stops the yogurt breaking into grainy curds in the oven.

By Vince Gonzalez · Published July 2026 · Sourcing verified 5 Jul 2026

Prep30 min
Cook60 min
Makes6 servings
CuisineAlbanian
Cost$$$
Contains  dairy · eggs · gluten
Make it gluten-free: swap in a gluten-free flour blend (check the other labels too).
The Ingredients — and where to get them
Cook for 6 servings
lamb shoulder
2 lb, cubed
32 oz
Source it →
plain yogurt, full fat
3 cups
24 oz
Local / market
eggs
4
Source it →
butter
5 tbsp
2.5 oz
Source it →
all-purpose flour
3 tbsp
Local / market
garlic
4 cloves
Source it →
dried oregano
1 tbsp
Source it →
salt and black pepper
to taste
Local / market
The Rundown
Greedometer ●●●●● Barely a splurge
A light hand — your arteries say thanks.
EffortSome doing
Cook it with
Sheet pan
The Method
  1. Brown the seasoned lamb in butter with the garlic, then transfer to a baking dish and roast at 400F for 20 minutes.30 min
  2. Cook the flour in the remaining butter to a pale roux, then let it cool slightly.8 min
  3. Whisk the yogurt with the eggs, then whisk in the cooled roux and oregano until smooth.8 min
  4. Pour the batter over the roasted lamb so it is fully covered.3 min
  5. Bake at 375F until the custard is set and the top is golden and just firm. Rest 15 minutes before serving.45 min
The Toolkit

Ovenproof baking dish · Whisk · Small saucepan

Straight Answers
Can you make Tave Kosi in an air fryer? — Sometimes

You can, but a custard needs gentle, even heat and usually a water bath the basket can’t give, so the top tends to set before the middle. Bake it in ramekins that fit and watch closely, or use the oven for a foolproof set.

Can you freeze Tave Kosi? — Not ideal

Not really — the cream, custard, or emulsion turns grainy or splits once thawed. This one is best kept fresh in the fridge.

Can you make Tave Kosi ahead of time? — Prep ahead

Best fried to order — the crunch fades if it sits. Do the breading or shaping ahead and cook it fresh when you serve.

Is Tave Kosi gluten-free? — Not as written

Not as written — it contains gluten. Make it gluten-free: swap in a gluten-free flour blend (check the other labels too).

Is Tave Kosi vegan? — No

No — it contains meat, so it isn’t vegetarian or vegan.

Community Notes

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© 2026 5best2buy · Worth The Hunt · Recipe No.1246