Bobotie

Classic South African Bobotie featuring fragrant curry-spiced minced beef, dried fruit, and a rich milk-and-egg topping baked to perfection.

Level Medium Prep 25 min Cook 45 min Servings 6 Score 4.9/10

Ready in

70 min

Makes 6 servings

Prep 25m

Cook 45m

Level Medium

About this recipe

Classic South African Bobotie featuring fragrant curry-spiced minced beef, dried fruit, and a rich milk-and-egg topping baked to perfection.

South Africa's national dish consisting of spiced minced meat baked with a creamy egg topping.

Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). Lightly grease a baking or casserole dish.
Soak the white bread slices in 1/2 cup of milk, then mash well with a fork to form a paste.
Heat olive oil or butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chopped onions and minced garlic, sautéing until soft and translucent.
10 min
Add curry powder, turmeric, coriander, and cumin to the onions. Cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, stirring constantly.
Add the ground beef to the skillet, breaking it up with a wooden spoon, and cook until browned all over.
10 min
Stir in the soaked bread mixture, chutney, apricot jam, raisins, lemon juice, beef stock, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 10 minutes, then transfer the mixture into the prepared baking dish.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs and 1 cup of milk. Pour this custard evenly over the meat mixture. Place the bay leaves on top.
30 min
Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes, or until the custard topping is set and lightly golden brown. Serve hot.
30 min

Calories 420

Protein 28g

Carbs 26g

Fat 22g

Fiber 2g

Sugar 16g

Sodium 520mg

Serving Size 1 portion

Prep 25 min

Cook 45 min

Total 70 min

Overall 9.4 /10

Expert 4.9 95% conf.

Reviewed by FindEdition Kitchen

An exceptional representation of South African cuisine with a magnificent sweet and savory flavor profile.

South Africa's national dish consisting of spiced minced meat baked with a creamy egg topping.

Summary

Classic South African Bobotie featuring fragrant curry-spiced minced beef, dried fruit, and a rich milk-and-egg topping baked to perfection.

Soaking the bread in milk ensures the minced beef remains moist and tender while baking
Insert bay leaves deeply into the custard layer before baking for an enhanced aromatic finish
Serve alongside traditional fruit chutney and yellow rice to balance the savory flavor profile