Tavë Kosi
Baked Lamb with Yogurt-Egg Custard (Keto, No Rice)
Yes, with a tweak: ensure no rice is added to the baking dish or served as a side. About 9g net carbs per serving, on the higher side for Albanian food, so watch the portion.
What it is
A classic Albanian baked dish featuring tender lamb, typically on the bone, covered with a rich, savory custard made from full-fat yogurt, eggs, and often a touch of flour. For a keto version, it must be prepared without rice, which is traditionally served alongside or baked within the dish. The lamb is often browned before baking in the creamy yogurt mixture until golden.
Key ingredients
Lamb (shoulder/leg), full-fat unsweetened yogurt, eggs, butter, olive oil, garlic, salt, black pepper, red pepper flakes (optional), cornstarch (or xanthan gum for keto modification if a thickener is needed).
How to make it keto
Ensure no rice is added to the baking dish or served as a side. Confirm unsweetened, full-fat yogurt is used. Request no flour thickeners if possible, or minimal use (some traditional recipes use a tiny amount, which can be omitted or substituted for keto).
Say this to the waiter (Albanian)
Ju lutem, pa oriz në Tavë Kosi. Konfirmoni kos pa sheqer, me yndyrë të plotë dhe pa miell për trashje, nëse është e mundur.
Please ensure no rice in the Tavë Kosi. Confirm unsweetened, full-fat yogurt and no flour thickeners, if possible.
Watch out for
Hidden flour in the custard (as a thickener), rice served as a side or baked in (must be explicitly omitted), sweetened yogurt (unlikely in savory dish but confirm).
Macros are estimates for a typical serving and vary by restaurant. Confirm ingredients with staff, especially if you have allergies. Our ingredient lists are generated automatically and describe how a dish is typically made.
More on the Albanian menuAll 280 Albanian dishes ›
