Bobotie Recipe

Introduction

Bobotie is a comforting South African dish that combines spiced minced meat with a creamy, custard-like topping. Its unique blend of sweet and savory flavors makes it a delightful meal for any occasion.

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon butter
• 2 medium onions
• 2 cloves garlic
• 1 large slice bread
• 1 cup milk
• 1 tablespoon curry powder
• ½ teaspoon turmeric
• ½ teaspoon ground cumin
• 1½ lb ground beef (or ground lamb, or a mixture)
• 1 apple, peeled, cored, and grated
• ¼ cup raisins
• Juice of ½ lemon (about 1 tablespoon)
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 2 eggs

Instructions

1. Step 1: Melt the butter in a large skillet or frying pan. Dice the onions and crush the garlic, then add both to the pan and cook until soft, about 5 minutes.
2. Step 2: Meanwhile, cut the crusts from the bread and soak it in the milk.
3. Step 3: Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C).
4. Step 4: Add the curry powder, turmeric, and cumin to the onions in the pan. Stir well and cook for one minute, then add the ground meat.
5. Step 5: Cook the meat, stirring every minute or two, until browned.
6. Step 6: Add the grated apple, raisins, and the soaked bread (do not discard the milk). Stir everything together, then remove from heat.
7. Step 7: Stir in the lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, and one egg until well combined.
8. Step 8: Pour the mixture into a casserole dish and press it down flat.
9. Step 9: Beat the remaining egg with the milk you set aside, then pour over the meat mixture. Optionally, top with a bay leaf.
10. Step 10: Bake in the oven for 40–50 minutes until the topping is set and lightly browned.

Tips & Variations

• For added depth, try mixing half beef and half lamb mince.
• Serve with yellow rice and chutney for a traditional South African experience.
• If you prefer a spicier dish, add a bit of chopped chili or cayenne pepper with the spices.

Storage

Store leftover bobotie in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through to maintain the topping’s texture. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it can make the custard topping less firm.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make bobotie ahead of time?

Yes, bobotie can be assembled and refrigerated for several hours or overnight before baking. Just cover it well and bake it fresh when ready to serve.

What can I serve with bobotie?

Bobotie pairs beautifully with yellow rice, a side of steamed vegetables, or a dollop of fruit chutney to complement its sweet and savory flavors.

Bobotie Recipe

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Bobotie is a traditional South African dish featuring spiced ground meat baked with a savory custard topping. This recipe combines aromatic curry powder and warm spices with juicy raisins and tart apple for a unique blend of sweet and savory flavors, all baked to perfection for a comforting and flavorful meal.

• Author: Tim
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 50 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: South African

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon butter
• 2 medium onions
• 2 cloves garlic
• 1 large slice bread
• 1 cup milk
• 1 tablespoon curry powder
• ½ teaspoon turmeric
• ½ teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 ½ lb ground beef (or ground lamb or a mixture of both)
• 1 apple, peeled, cored and grated
• ¼ cup raisins
• ½ lemon juice (from ½ lemon, about 1 tablespoon)
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 2 eggs
• 1 bay leaf (optional)

Instructions

1. Sauté aromatics: Melt the butter in a large skillet or frying pan over medium heat. Dice the onions and crush the garlic before adding them to the pan. Cook until soft and translucent, about 5 minutes.
2. Prepare bread soak: Remove the crusts from the bread slice and soak it in the milk, allowing it to absorb the liquid.
3. Preheat oven: Set your oven to 325°F (160°C) to prepare for baking the bobotie.
4. Cook spices and meat: Add the curry powder, turmeric, and ground cumin to the cooked onions and stir well, cooking for about one minute to release the spices’ aroma. Then add the ground meat to the pan and cook, stirring every couple of minutes, until the meat is browned and cooked through.
5. Add fruit and bread mixture: Mix in the grated apple, raisins, and the soaked bread along with its milk (do not discard the milk). Stir well to combine all ingredients evenly, then remove the pan from heat.
6. Season and bind: Add the lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, and one of the eggs to the meat mixture. Stir thoroughly to incorporate everything together.
7. Assemble in dish: Transfer the meat mixture to a casserole dish, pressing it down firmly and evenly.
8. Prepare custard topping: Beat the remaining egg with the retained milk and pour this custard mixture over the meat in the casserole dish. Optionally, place a bay leaf on top for added flavor.
9. Bake: Place the casserole dish in the preheated oven and bake for 40 to 50 minutes, until the custard topping is set and lightly golden brown.

Notes

• You can substitute ground beef with ground lamb or a combination of beef and lamb for a richer flavor.
• The bay leaf on top is optional but adds a subtle aromatic note during baking.
• This dish is best served warm, accompanied by yellow rice or a fresh salad.
• Ensure not to discard the milk used to soak the bread, as it is incorporated into the custard topping.
• Adjust curry powder quantity according to your spice preference.

Keywords: Bobotie, South African recipe, baked ground meat, curry, savory custard topping, lamb recipe, beef recipe