Bobotie
South Africa's beloved national dish: a fragrant, curried mince filling enriched with chutney and sultanas, crowned with a savory egg custard and baked to a beautiful golden hue.
🧂 Ingredients
- 700 g Ground beef(or ground lamb for a richer flavor)
- 2 Onions(finely chopped)
- 2 tbsp Curry powder(mild or medium, to your preference)
- 3 tbsp Apricot chutney(or other sweet fruit chutney)
- 60 g Raisins(or sultanas)
- 2 slices Bread(stale white bread, crusts removed, soaked in 1/2 cup milk)
- 3 Eggs(for the custard topping)
- 1 cup Milk(divided: 1/2 cup for soaking bread, 1/2 cup for custard)
- 6 Bay leaves(fresh or dried)
- 1 tsp Turmeric(for the custard)
- to taste Salt
- to taste Black pepper
- 1 tbsp Vegetable oil or butter(for sautéing)
- for serving Yellow rice(cooked)
- for serving Sambal(optional, for a spicy kick)
- for serving Sliced banana(optional, for sweetness)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Lightly grease a medium-sized ovenproof dish (approx. 20x30cm or 8x12 inches).
⏱️ 5 minutes - 2
Heat the oil or butter in a large frying pan or pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and sauté until softened and translucent, about 5-7 minutes. Do not let them brown.
⏱️ 7 minutes - 3
Add the ground beef to the pan. Break it up with a spoon and cook until browned all over. Drain off any excess fat.
⏱️ 8 minutes - 4
Stir in the curry powder and cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Then, add the chutney, raisins, and the soaked bread (squeeze out excess milk before adding). Mix everything thoroughly. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Cook for another 2-3 minutes, stirring, to allow the flavors to meld.
⏱️ 5 minutes - 5
Spoon the mince mixture into the prepared ovenproof dish and press it down evenly. Arrange the bay leaves decoratively on top of the mince mixture.
⏱️ 3 minutes - 6
In a separate bowl, whisk together the 3 eggs, 1/2 cup of milk, and the turmeric until well combined. Pour this custard mixture evenly over the mince.
⏱️ 2 minutes - 7
Bake in the preheated oven for 40-45 minutes, or until the custard topping is set and golden brown. The custard should have a slight wobble but not be liquid.
⏱️ 45 minutes - 8
Let the Bobotie rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. Serve hot with fluffy yellow rice, and optional sambal and sliced banana.
⏱️ 10 minutes
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓For the best flavor, allow the mince mixture to cool slightly before adding the custard.
- ✓The custard should be set but still have a slight jiggle; overbaking can make it rubbery.
- ✓Bay leaves are primarily for aroma and are traditionally removed before eating, though some people leave them in.
- ✓Adjust the amount of curry powder and chutney to suit your spice and sweetness preference.
✨ Twist Ideas
Inspiration for your own version of this recipe
- Use ground lamb or a mixture of beef and lamb for a richer, deeper flavor.
- Add a handful of slivered almonds to the mince mixture for added texture.
- Incorporate finely chopped apple or grated carrot into the mince for extra moisture and subtle sweetness.