Albanian Tavë Kosi: Baked Chicken, Rice & Yogurt

Experience the flavors of Albania with this traditional dish, Tavë Kosi. Combining tender chicken drumsticks, fluffy rice, and a creamy yogurt topping, this hearty main course is perfect for any occasion, bringing a touch of East European flair to your table.

Ingredients

🍚 1 - 1.5 cups rice
🧂 1/2 tbsp salt for rice, 1/2 tbsp salt for yogurt mixture - Total 1 tbsp
🍗 6 chicken drumsticks
🧈 Butter around 8-9 small cubes
🌾 5 tbsp flour - 3 tbsp initially, 2 tbsp later for roux
🧄 3 cloves crushed garlic
🍗 Chicken juice retained from baking chicken
🥄 1 tbsp Chicken seasoning
🧂 1/2 tsp black pepper
🍃 1 tsp dried herbs - parsley or mixed herbs
🥚 3 large eggs
🥛 500g yogurt

Instructions

1- Prepare the Rice:

• Boil 1 to 1.5 cups of rice in water with 1/2 tbsp salt for 8 minutes.
• Drain the rice using a strainer and set aside.

2- Initial Chicken Bake:

• Arrange 6 chicken drumsticks in a baking pan.
• Place butter cubes atop each drumstick.
• Bake at 200°C (392°F) for 15 minutes.
• Remove from the oven and pour the chicken juice into a small bowl to be used later.

3- Make the Roux:

• In a Tefal skillet, melt butter and add 3 tbsp flour.
• Stir to form a smooth paste.
• Incorporate the reserved chicken juice, and gradually add 2 more tbsp of flour, stirring continuously until thickened. Set aside.

4- Yogurt Mixture Preparation:

• In a mixing bowl, combine 500g yogurt and 3 eggs.
• Add 1 tbsp chicken seasoning, 1 tsp herbs, 1/2 tsp black pepper, and 1/2 tbsp salt.
• Whisk thoroughly until smooth.

5- Assemble and Bake:

• Mix the prepared roux into the yogurt mixture until fully combined.
• In a baking pan, arrange partially baked chicken.
• Spread rice around the chicken evenly.
• Pour yogurt-roux mixture over the entire dish.
• Bake at 180°C (356°F) for 25 minutes, then transfer to the upper oven rack and bake for another 15 minutes for a golden crust.

6- Serve:

• Serve hot on a plate, optionally garnished with chopped greens like spring onions or chives.

Prep Time: 15-20 minutes
Cook Time: 63 minutes
Total Time: 83 minutes
Servings: 4
Calories: ~600 per serving
Proteins: 40g
Fats: 30g
Carbohydrates: 50g
Equipment:

• Pot/Saucepan - Stainless steel
• Light blue plastic strainer
• Dark non-stick metal baking pan
• Standard kitchen oven
• Small bowls for juice and seasonings
• Tefal skillet with Thermo-spot
• Green tablespoon, orange teaspoon for measuring
• Red silicone spatula
• Grey/black ceramic mixing bowl
• Stainless steel whisk
• Beige patterned serving plate

Cooking Tips

• Boil rice for exactly 8 minutes to ensure proper finish in the oven.
• Use chicken juice in roux to enhance flavor.
• Two-stage baking for thorough cooking and crispy top.

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Halal Kokki Finland: https://www.youtube.com/@halalkokkifinland

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Tavë Kosi

Posted by Waivio guest: @waivio_hivecooking