Kosovar Lamb and Vegetable Bake
Tavë Prizreni
A rustic and flavorful baked dish featuring tender lamb pieces simmered with a medley of vegetables like eggplant, peppers, and tomatoes, seasoned with aromatic herbs. This hearty casserole, originating from the city of Prizren, is a comforting and satisfying meal.
🧂 Ingredients
- 500 g Lamb shoulder, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 4 tbsp Olive oil
- 1 Large onion, sliced
- 4 Garlic cloves, minced
- 1 large Eggplants, cut into chunks
- 2 Bell peppers (any color), cut into chunks
- 1 medium Zucchini, chopped
- 3 medium Tomatoes, chopped
- 1 tbsp Tomato paste
- 1 cup Lamb or vegetable broth
- 1 tsp Dried oregano
- 1 tsp Fresh rosemary, chopped
- to taste Salt
- to taste Black pepper
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Preheat oven to 180°C (350°F).
- 2
In a large oven-safe pot or casserole dish, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add lamb cubes and sear on all sides until browned. Remove lamb and set aside.
💡 Tip: Searing the lamb in batches ensures a good crust. - 3
In the same pot, add sliced onions and sauté until softened, about 5 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
💡 Tip: Don't burn the garlic. - 4
Add the chopped eggplants, bell peppers, and zucchini to the pot. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until vegetables begin to soften.
💡 Tip: You can lightly salt and drain the eggplant beforehand to reduce bitterness, if desired. - 5
Stir in the tomato paste and cook for 1 minute. Add the chopped tomatoes, lamb broth, oregano, rosemary, salt, and pepper. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
💡 Tip: Using lamb broth will enhance the lamb flavor, but vegetable broth is also suitable. - 6
Return the seared lamb to the pot. Stir everything together. Cover the pot tightly with a lid or aluminum foil.
💡 Tip: Ensure the lid or foil creates a good seal to trap moisture. - 7
Bake in the preheated oven for 1 hour and 15 minutes, or until the lamb is tender and the vegetables are cooked through. If the sauce seems too thin, you can remove the lid for the last 15 minutes of baking to allow it to reduce.
💡 Tip: Check the lamb for tenderness; cooking time may vary based on the cut of lamb. - 8
Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley if desired. This dish is often served with crusty bread or rice.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓For a richer flavor, you can marinate the lamb in olive oil, garlic, and herbs for a few hours before cooking.
- ✓Adjust the amount of herbs and spices to your personal preference.
- ✓If you prefer a spicier dish, add a pinch of red pepper flakes.
✨ Twist Ideas
Inspiration for your own version of this recipe
- Add other root vegetables like potatoes or carrots.
- Incorporate a can of drained chickpeas for added texture and protein.
- For a lighter version, use chicken or turkey instead of lamb.