Tavë Prizreni me Mish dhe Patate
Kosovar Lamb and Potato Casserole
A rich and savory baked casserole featuring tender lamb pieces and potatoes in a flavorful sauce, often enriched with yogurt and spices. This dish is a staple in the Prizren region and a comforting meal.
🧂 Ingredients
- 700 g Lamb shoulder(cut into 1.5-inch cubes)
- 500 g Potatoes(peeled and cut into 1-inch cubes)
- 2 medium Onions(chopped)
- 4 cloves Garlic(minced)
- 400 ml Plain yogurt
- 2 large Eggs
- 50 g Butter(melted)
- 2 tbsp Olive oil
- 1 tsp Oregano(dried)
- 0.25 tsp Nutmeg(freshly grated)
- 1 tsp Salt(or to taste)
- 0.5 tsp Black pepper(or to taste)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Preheat oven to 190°C (375°F).
💡 Tip: Ensure oven is fully preheated. - 2
In a large oven-safe pot or Dutch oven, heat olive oil and 25g of butter over medium-high heat.
💡 Tip: Using a Dutch oven helps with even cooking. - 3
Season lamb cubes with salt and pepper. Brown the lamb on all sides, working in batches if necessary. Remove lamb and set aside.
💡 Tip: Browning the lamb adds depth of flavor. - 4
Add the chopped onions to the pot and sauté until softened, about 5-7 minutes.
- 5
Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- 6
Return the browned lamb to the pot. Add the cubed potatoes, dried oregano, and nutmeg.
💡 Tip: Ensure all ingredients are well distributed. - 7
In a separate bowl, whisk together the yogurt, eggs, remaining melted butter, salt, and pepper until smooth.
💡 Tip: Whisking well prevents the yogurt sauce from curdling. - 8
Pour the yogurt mixture evenly over the lamb and potatoes in the pot.
💡 Tip: Ensure the liquid covers most of the ingredients. - 9
Cover the pot tightly with a lid or aluminum foil.
💡 Tip: Sealing the pot traps steam and moisture. - 10
Bake for 1 hour and 15 minutes, or until the lamb is tender and the potatoes are cooked through.
💡 Tip: Check for tenderness with a fork. - 11
Remove the cover and bake for another 15-20 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and slightly puffed.
💡 Tip: This step creates a lovely crust.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓Serve hot with crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce.
- ✓For a spicier version, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the yogurt mixture.
- ✓Allow the dish to rest for 10 minutes before serving.
✨ Twist Ideas
Inspiration for your own version of this recipe
- Add chopped carrots or bell peppers along with the potatoes.
- Use beef or veal instead of lamb.
- Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.