How to prepare Bobotie (South African National Dish)

Bobotie is a classic South African dish known for its savory-sweet flavor and distinctive combination of spices. It’s essentially a spiced minced meat casserole topped with a custard-like egg mixture. Here’s a step-by-step guide to making Bobotie:

Ingredients:

For the Meat Mixture:

• 1 lb (450g) ground beef (or lamb, or a mix)
• 1 large onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp vegetable oil (or any cooking oil)
• 1-2 slices of white bread, crusts removed (or 1 cup breadcrumbs)
• 1/2 cup milk (for soaking the bread)
• 1/4 cup raisins (or sultanas)
• 2 tbsp curry powder
• 1 tsp turmeric powder
• 1 tsp ground coriander
• 1/2 tsp ground cumin
• 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1 tbsp brown sugar (or to taste)
• 2 tbsp chutney (optional, for extra sweetness)
• 2 tbsp lemon juice (or vinegar)
• Salt and pepper to taste

For the Topping:

• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup milk
• 2 bay leaves

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Bread:
   • Tear the bread into pieces and soak it in 1/2 cup milk until it becomes soft. Squeeze out any excess milk and set the soaked bread aside.
2. Cook the Meat:
   • Heat the oil in a large skillet or frying pan over medium heat.
   • Add the chopped onion and cook until it becomes soft and translucent, about 5 minutes.
   • Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute.
   • Add the ground beef (or lamb) to the skillet and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks.
3. Add Spices and Other Ingredients:
   • Stir in the curry powder, turmeric, coriander, cumin, cinnamon, and brown sugar. Cook for a few minutes until the spices are fragrant.
   • Add the soaked bread (broken into small pieces), raisins, chutney (if using), and lemon juice (or vinegar). Mix well to combine.
   • Season with salt and pepper to taste.
   • Let the mixture simmer for about 5-10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld. Adjust seasoning if needed.
4. Transfer to Baking Dish:
   • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
   • Transfer the meat mixture to a greased baking dish and spread it out evenly.
5. Prepare the Topping:
   • In a bowl, whisk together the eggs and 1 cup milk.
   • Pour the egg mixture over the meat mixture in the baking dish.
   • Place the bay leaves on top of the egg mixture.
6. Bake:
   • Bake in the preheated oven for about 30-40 minutes, or until the topping is set and lightly browned.
7. Serve:
   • Let the Bobotie cool for a few minutes before serving. It’s traditionally served with yellow rice, sambal, and a side salad or vegetables.

Tips:

• Meat Variations: You can use a mix of beef and lamb for added flavor, or even use ground chicken or turkey if preferred.
• Spice Level: Adjust the amount of curry powder to suit your taste if you prefer it spicier or milder.
• Vegetarian Option: For a vegetarian version, you can use lentils or a combination of vegetables instead of meat.

Enjoy your delicious Bobotie!