Delicious South African Casserole: Bobotie

Bobotie is a delicious and well-known South African dish that personifies the nation's extensive culinary heritage. This classic treat is renowned for its wonderful fusion of sweet and savoury flavours and is made of spiced minced meat, frequently beef or lamb that is baked to perfection and topped with a rich egg custard. A favourite comfort dish for generations of South Africans, it's alluring aroma and delectable flavour have also made it popular in other areas of the world.

Bobotie's roots have been traced to old Eastern culinary customs, including dishes from Indonesia and Malaysia like "bobotok" and "baba au rhum." These recipes often included seasoned minced meat that had been combined with other components and baked.

Preparation Time

1 hour and 40 minutes.

Ingredients

Beef or lamb (minced)

Onion (chopped)

Garlic (minced)

Ground coriander

Ground turmeric

Apricot jam

Vinegar (white or apple cider)

Sultanas or raisins

Silvered almonds

Vegetable oil

Bread (slice) and soaked in milk

Curry powder

Ground cumin

Salt and pepper to taste

Beef or chicken broth

For The Custard Topping:

Ground nutmeg

Eggs

Milk

Preparation

• Heat the vegetable oil over medium heat in a skillet.
• Pour the onion and garlic and sauté until they become soft and translucent.
• Add the minced meat to the pan and cook until it's browned.
• Squeeze the excess milk from the soaked bread and break it into pieces.
• Add the soaked bread, curry powder, cumin, coriander, turmeric, apricot jam, vinegar, sultanas, and slivered almonds to the cooked meat mixture, and allow it to simmer for about 5 minutes.
• Season the mixture with salt and pepper to taste, and then pour in the broth and allow it to simmer for about 10 minutes.
• Spread the meat mixture in a baking dish.
• Whisk together the eggs, milk, and a pinch of ground nutmeg in a separate bowl to make the custard topping.
• Pour the custard mixture over the meat in the baking dish, and cover the entire surface.
• You can now bake the Bobotie in the preheated oven for about 35 minutes.
• Remove the Bobotie from the oven when the custard turns golden in colour on top.
• Serve with white rice and more.