1 piece (medium) of Elbasan Tava (200 g) has 340 calories. That works out to 170 calories per 100 g. It contains 8.4 g of carbs, 27 g of protein, 22.4 g of fat and 0.6 g of fiber. Its 2.6 µg of B12 covers 108% of the Daily Value. Its glycemic index is 35 (low), so it raises blood sugar slowly.

What is Elbasan Tava?

Elbasan Tava is a baked lamb dish named for Elbasan, a city in Albania. Tender pieces of lamb are covered with a thick yogurt-based topping and baked until the surface sets and develops golden patches. It is also familiar in Turkish cooking, where the name reflects the dish’s Albanian roots.

The lamb is savory and soft, while the topping is creamy, tangy and lightly browned. In Albania it is served as a substantial main course, often with bread or a simple side; it also works well at home alongside rice and salad. It is protein-rich, and the yogurt topping contributes calcium. For a lighter meal, serve a moderate portion with plenty of fresh vegetables rather than adding several rich sides.

Elbasan Tava Nutrition Facts

Selected: 100 g

170

KCAL / 100G

Carbs

4.2g

· 2% DV

Protein

13.5g

· 27% DV

Fat

11.2g

· 14% DV

Fiber

0.3g

· 1% DV

DV is the share of the daily value covered, on a 2,000 kcal reference diet.

Calories come from: Carbs 10% · Protein 31% · Fat 59%

Elbasan Tava Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamins

B12

1.3µg · 54% DV

3.1mg · 19% DV

0.22mg · 17% DV

0.7mg · 14% DV

Minerals

Phosphorus

160mg · 23% DV

Zinc

2mg · 18% DV

Selenium

7.5µg · 14% DV

Sodium

280mg · 12% DV

How Nutritious Is Elbasan Tava?

Nutrient density

High

60/ 100

How many vitamins, minerals and how much fiber this food carries per calorie. A high score means a lot of nutrition for few calories.

Satiety score

Medium

45/ 100

An EatBetter score computed from fiber, protein and calorie density. A high score means staying full longer on the same calories.

Both scores are calculated per 100 g and do not change with the selected portion. The satiety score is EatBetter's own calculation, not a clinical measure.

Elbasan Tava Glycemic Index

GLYCEMIC INDEX

Low

0 Low5570100

GLYCEMIC LOAD

Low

Accounts for portion size — a more realistic measure than GI alone.

How to Burn Off Elbasan Tava

To burn the 170 calories in 100 g:

🚶

42min

Walking (5 km/h)

🏃

17min

Running (8 km/h)

🚴

23min

Cycling

🏊

20min

Swimming

Times are calculated with the MET equation for a 70 kg adult. Actual burn varies with your weight, age and pace.

Is Elbasan Tava Processed?

NOVA 2

Minimally Processed

1. Unprocessed

2. Minimally Processed

3. Processed

4. Ultra-Processed

NOVA classifies foods into 4 groups by industrial processing. NOVA 1 (unprocessed) is the healthiest.

Does Elbasan Tava Contain Allergens?

Contains these allergens:

Gluten free

Dairy yes

Eggs yes

Peanuts free

Tree nuts free

Fish free

Soy free

Sesame free

Which Diets Is Elbasan Tava Good For?

Vegan

— Not suitable

Vegetarian

— Not suitable

Gluten-Free

— Not suitable

Dairy-Free

— Not suitable

Mediterranean

✓ Suitable

Paleo

— Not suitable

Whole30

— Not suitable

DASH

— Not suitable

Keto

— Not suitable

Low FODMAP

— Not suitable

Elbasan Tava Fat Profile

SATURATED

4.3g

MONOUNSATURATED

4.6g

POLYUNSATURATED

0.7g

⚖️

Omega 6:3 ratio 2.8:1

Below the ideal 4:1 — a good omega balance.

Compare Elbasan Tava

🍲vs🥩

Elbasan Tava vs Ground Beef80 kcal fewer per 100 g

→🍲vs🍢

Elbasan Tava vs Chicken Skewer30 kcal more per 100 g

→🍲vs🥩

Elbasan Tava vs Sauteed Lamb60 kcal fewer per 100 g

→🍲vs🍗

Elbasan Tava vs Smoked Turkey60 kcal more per 100 g

→

Foods Similar to Elbasan Tava

🥩

Ground Beef

250 kcal

🍢

Chicken Skewer

140 kcal

🥩

Sauteed Lamb

230 kcal

🍗

Smoked Turkey

110 kcal

🥩

Beef Kavurma

230 kcal

🍆🍖

Meatballs with Eggplant Purée

155 kcal

🥩

Beef Cubed

250 kcal

🍗

Chicken (Sauteed)

165 kcal

Frequently Asked Questions About Elbasan Tava

What is Elbasan Tava?

Elbasan Tava is an Albanian baked lamb dish topped with a thick yogurt mixture, commonly combined with eggs and flour. The meat is cooked until tender before the topping is added and baked until lightly browned.

Where does Elbasan Tava come from?

Elbasan Tava comes from Elbasan, a city in modern-day Albania, and is a classic of Albanian cuisine. Its name refers to the city, and the dish is also found in Balkan and Turkish cooking traditions.

Why does the yogurt topping on Elbasan Tava curdle?

The topping can curdle if cold yogurt meets very hot meat liquid or if the dish heats too abruptly. Whisking the yogurt with egg and flour, then slowly mixing in a little warm cooking liquid, helps it bake into a smoother layer.

Can you make Elbasan Tava with beef instead of lamb?

Yes, beef works in Elbasan Tava, though lamb is the traditional choice and gives the dish its characteristic flavor. Cook the beef until tender before adding the yogurt topping, since baking the assembled dish is not enough to soften tough meat.

What should you serve with Elbasan Tava?

Serve Elbasan Tava with rice pilaf, roasted vegetables, or a crisp salad. The rich yogurt topping pairs especially well with a fresh, lightly dressed side rather than another creamy dish.

Can you use Greek yogurt for Elbasan Tava?

Yes, plain Greek yogurt can be used for Elbasan Tava, and its thick texture makes a substantial topping. If it is very dense, whisk in a little warm cooking liquid so it spreads evenly over the lamb.

Can Elbasan Tava be made ahead of time?

Yes, you can cook the lamb ahead for Elbasan Tava and refrigerate it separately from the topping. Add the yogurt mixture shortly before baking; assembling it too early can make the topping watery while it sits.

How do you know when Elbasan Tava is done?

Elbasan Tava is ready when the lamb is tender and the yogurt topping has set with golden patches. Check the meat itself rather than relying only on the browned surface, since the topping can color before the lamb is fully tender.

How should you store leftover Elbasan Tava?

Store leftover Elbasan Tava in a covered container in the refrigerator and eat it within a few days. Reheat it until hot throughout; gentle oven reheating helps keep the yogurt topping from drying out as quickly.

Can you freeze Elbasan Tava?

Yes, Elbasan Tava can be frozen, but the yogurt topping may become grainy or release liquid after thawing. Freeze it in an airtight container, thaw it in the refrigerator, and reheat it gently in the oven.

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Nutrition data compiled from USDA FoodData Central and scientific sources.

· Last updated: September 24, 2026