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Bobotie: South African Spiced Ground Meat Casserole Recipe

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  • Author: Emma
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 50 minutes
  • Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: South African

Description

Bobotie is a traditional South African baked dish featuring spiced minced meat topped with an egg and milk custard. This comforting recipe combines fragrant curry powder, turmeric, and cumin with sweet elements like apple and raisins, creating a delightful balance of savory and sweet flavors. Perfect for a hearty family meal, it’s baked until golden and served warm.

Ingredients

Scale

Meat Mixture

  • 1 tbsp butter
  • 2 medium onions, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, crushed
  • 1 tbsp curry powder
  • 1/2 tsp turmeric
  • 1/2 tsp ground cumin
  • 1 1/2 lb ground beef (or ground lamb, or a mix)
  • 1 apple, peeled, cored and grated
  • 1/4 cup raisins
  • 1/2 lemon, juiced (approx. 1 tbsp)
  • 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 slice large bread, crusts removed
  • 1 cup milk
  • 2 eggs

Instructions

  1. Sauté Onions and Garlic: Melt the butter in a large skillet or frying pan over medium heat. Add diced onions and crushed garlic, cooking for about 5 minutes until softened and fragrant.
  2. Soak Bread: While the onions are cooking, cut the crusts off the bread slice and soak it in the milk until fully saturated.
  3. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C) to prepare for baking the bobotie later.
  4. Add Spices and Meat: Stir curry powder, turmeric, and ground cumin into the softened onions. Cook the spices for about one minute to release their aroma, then add the ground meat to the pan.
  5. Brown the Meat: Cook the meat mixture, stirring every minute or two, until thoroughly browned and cooked through.
  6. Combine Ingredients: Add the grated apple, raisins, and soaked bread (with milk reserved) to the pan. Stir well to combine all ingredients evenly, then remove the pan from the heat.
  7. Add Lemon, Worcestershire, and Egg: Stir in the lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, and one beaten egg into the meat mixture until fully incorporated.
  8. Transfer to Baking Dish: Pour the meat mixture into a casserole or ovenproof dish and press it down firmly to create an even layer.
  9. Prepare Custard Topping: Beat the remaining egg with the reserved milk. Pour this mixture evenly over the meat layer in the dish. Optionally, place a bay leaf on top for added aroma.
  10. Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 40-50 minutes until the custard topping is set and lightly golden brown. Remove from oven and allow to rest briefly before serving.

Notes

  • Ground lamb or a mixture of lamb and beef can be used as a substitute for ground beef to add a richer flavor.
  • The bay leaf on top is optional but adds a subtle aromatic note.
  • For a milder flavor, reduce the amount of curry powder or omit the turmeric.
  • Bobotie pairs well with yellow rice, chutney, or a simple side salad for a full meal.
  • Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated gently in the oven or microwave.

Find it online: https://yumrecipesfood.com/bobotie-south-african-spiced-ground-meat-casserole-recipe/