IndianSide

South African Bobotie

Name: South African Bobotie
Prep time: 20 min
Total time: 1 h 5 min
Yield: 6
Cuisine: Indian
Ingredients: 2 lbs ground lamb or beef; 2 large onions, finely chopped; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 2 slices white bread, crusts removed; 1 cup whole milk; 2 tbsp vegetable oil; 2 tbsp curry powder; 1 tsp ground turmeric; 1 tsp ground coriander; 1 tsp ground cumin; 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon; 1/4 tsp ground cloves; 2 tbsp apricot jam; 2 tbsp chutney; 2 tbsp white wine vinegar; 1/3 cup raisins; 1/3 cup slivered almonds; 6 bay leaves; Salt and pepper to taste; 3 large eggs; 1/2 cup heavy cream

Fragrant curry powder and turmeric transform ground lamb into a spiced, custardy casserole that's distinctly South African with Indian roots. Soft bread soaked in milk binds the meat while a creamy egg topping browns to golden perfection, creating layers of warm spice and comfort. Perfect for impressing guests or settling into a satisfying weeknight dinner that feels special without the fuss.

Prep

20 minutes

Total

1 hour 5 minutes

Serves

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Ingredients

Units

Instructions

1
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13 inch baking dish.
2
Soak bread slices in 1/2 cup milk until soft, then mash with a fork and set aside.
3
Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Sauté onions until golden, about 8 minutes. Add garlic and cook 1 minute more.
4
Add ground meat to skillet, breaking it up with a spoon. Cook until browned, about 8-10 minutes.
5
Stir in curry powder, turmeric, coriander, cumin, cinnamon, and cloves. Cook until fragrant, about 2 minutes.
6
Add soaked bread, apricot jam, chutney, vinegar, raisins, and almonds. Season with salt and pepper. Mix well and cook 3 minutes.
7
Transfer mixture to prepared baking dish and smooth top. Insert bay leaves evenly across surface.
8
Whisk together eggs, remaining 1/2 cup milk, and heavy cream. Pour custard mixture over meat.
9
Bake for 30-35 minutes until custard is set and golden brown on top.
10
Let rest 5 minutes before serving. Remove bay leaves before eating.

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South African Bobotie

Prep

20 minutes

Total

1 hour 5 minutes

Serves

Jump to recipe

Ingredients

Units

Instructions

1
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13 inch baking dish.
2
Soak bread slices in 1/2 cup milk until soft, then mash with a fork and set aside.
3
Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Sauté onions until golden, about 8 minutes. Add garlic and cook 1 minute more.
4
Add ground meat to skillet, breaking it up with a spoon. Cook until browned, about 8-10 minutes.
5
Stir in curry powder, turmeric, coriander, cumin, cinnamon, and cloves. Cook until fragrant, about 2 minutes.
6
Add soaked bread, apricot jam, chutney, vinegar, raisins, and almonds. Season with salt and pepper. Mix well and cook 3 minutes.
7
Transfer mixture to prepared baking dish and smooth top. Insert bay leaves evenly across surface.
8
Whisk together eggs, remaining 1/2 cup milk, and heavy cream. Pour custard mixture over meat.
9
Bake for 30-35 minutes until custard is set and golden brown on top.
10
Let rest 5 minutes before serving. Remove bay leaves before eating.

Reviews

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