Recipe for Bobotie, a classical South African dish

South African cuisine is known for its rich and diverse flavors influenced by various cultures and ingredients. Bobotie: A classic dish made with spiced minced meat (typically beef or lamb) topped with an egg-based custard and baked until golden brown. It is often served with yellow rice and chutney.

Here’s a recipe for Bobotie, a traditional South African dish with spiced minced meat topped with an egg-based custard. Enjoy!

Ingredients: Bobotie

For the meat mixture:
1 kg ground beef or lamb
2 onions, finely chopped
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
2 slices of bread, soaked in milk
2 tablespoons curry powder
1 tablespoon turmeric
1 tablespoon ground cumin
2 teaspoons ground coriander
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
2 teaspoons sugar
2 tablespoons fruit chutney or apricot jam
2 tablespoons vinegar
2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
1 cup beef or vegetable stock
Salt and pepper to taste
For the custard topping:
4 large eggs
1 cup milk
Pinch of salt
For the garnish:
1/4 cup almonds, slivered or flaked
2 tablespoons raisins

For serving:

Cooked rice
Chutney or tomato salsa

Instructions:

Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).
Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or frying pan over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and cook until they become translucent.
In a large bowl, combine the ground beef or lamb, soaked bread (squeeze out the excess milk), cooked onions, curry powder, turmeric, cumin, coriander, cinnamon, sugar, fruit chutney or apricot jam, vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper. Mix well until all the ingredients are evenly combined.
Place the meat mixture into a greased baking dish, spreading it out evenly. Press down gently to ensure an even surface.
In a separate bowl, beat the eggs, milk, and a pinch of salt together until well combined.
Pour the egg mixture over the meat mixture, ensuring it covers the entire surface.
Sprinkle the slivered or flaked almonds and raisins on top of the custard.
Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 45-50 minutes, or until the custard is set and golden brown on top.

Once cooked, remove the bobotie from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes.
Serve the bobotie warm with cooked rice and chutney or tomato salsa on the side.

Enjoy your homemade Bobotie!