Traditional South African Bobotie

Bobotie is a beloved South African dish, rich in flavor and history. This comforting, curry-spiced minced beef dish is baked to perfection with a golden, savory egg custard topping. Infused with fragrant spices, dried fruits, and a hint of sweetness, bobotie offers a delicious balance of bold flavors and textures. Often served with yellow rice and chutney, it’s the perfect blend of hearty and aromatic—a true taste of South African heritage in every bite.

Bobotie

Bobotie

Serves 4

Ingredients

·      2 slices stale bread

·      2 onions, chopped

·       25g butter

·       2 garlic cloves, crushed

·       1kg lean minced beef

·       2 tbsp curry powder

·       1 tbsp. dried chilli flakes (Optional)

·       1 tsp dried mixed herbs

·       1 tbsp tomato paste

·       ¼ tsp cloves

·       1 tsp allspice

·       3 tbsp raisins (or more if you like them)

·       6 bay leaves

For the topping

·       300ml full-cream milk

·       2 large eggs

Method

·      Heat oven to 180C/fan 160C/gas 4.

·      Put the bread into a shallow dish or bowl. Pour the milk for the topping, over the bread and set aside to soak. (you can break the bread up to make it fit)

·      Meanwhile, fry the onions in the butter, stirring regularly for 10 mins until they are soft and starting to colour. Add the garlic and beef and stir well, cooking until it changes colour. Stir in the curry powder, tomato paste, herbs, spices, sultanas and chilli, if using. Season to taste. If it’s a bit dry, you can add some stock or water. Keep cooking until the meat is cooked, about 15-20 minutes.

·      Squeeze the milk from the bread, (keep the milk) then add the bread to the meat mixture and mix until well blended. You want some chunkier pieces of bread so don’t break it up too much. Put cooked mince into ovenproof dish

·      For the topping, beat the (reserved) milk and eggs with seasoning, then pour over the meat. Top with the bay leaves and bake for 35-40 mins until the topping is set and starting to turn golden.

·      Serve with yellow rice mixed with raisins and steamed vegetables of your choice

Note:

·      If gluten free, don’t add the bread.

·      We love chilli in our household, so I add more than the suggested amount, but if you don’t, feel free to leave it out.