It is known to have been prepared as early as the 17th Century, and the influence of the Dutch East India Company on the colonies of South Africa can be seen in the slightly curried, yet sweet dish.
Quick and Easy to Cook
Although the recipe has a complex medley of textures and flavors, it is fairly simple to make – with most of the cooking process occurring while the dish is in the oven. For this reason, it has been a favorite meal for working mothers and single-parent households where a wholesome meal that is easy to put together is a must. The recipe outlined below will feed approximately 6 people.
Ingredients
Although Bobotie is a South African dish, the ingredients that are required should be readily available at your local market. Should you find that there are some items that are not accessible, substitute ingredients will work just as well as the original ingredients; however, try not to substitute more than two ingredients.
Substitute Ingredients
- Pork ground meat (as opposed to lamb or beef). A combination of two types of meat can also be used should you prefer.
- Bay leaves can be substituted with Lemon leaves.
- Sultanas or chopped apricot can be used in the place of raisins.
- Apricot jam can be used instead of chutney.
- Dried ginger can replace the fresh ginger – just use a smaller amount.
- Vinegar can replace the lemon juice.
- White or brown sugar can be used.
Bobotie Ingredients – Mince
- 2 Lbs lean ground beef / lamb
- 2 Medium onions – peeled and chopped finely
- 1 Tablespoon oil (preferably olive oil)
- 1 Teaspoon crushed garlic
- 1 Teaspoon fresh ginger (grated)
- 1 Tablespoon Chutney
- 1 Thick slice of stale white bread (or two/three slices of pre-sliced) with the crust removed; and soak in a ½ cup of milk. Remove from the milk, squeeze out the excess, mash with a fork to separate, and set aside
- ½ Cup Milk
- 2 Tablespoons lemon juice
- ½ Tablespoon curry powder (try a medium-strength curry to start off with)
- 1 Teaspoon turmeric
- 2 Tablespoons sugar
- ½ Cup seedless raisins
- Salt and ground black pepper to taste
Bobotie Ingredients – Topping
- 2 Eggs (medium) beaten
- ½ Cup milk
- Bay leaves (to garnish)
Preparing the Bobotie
- Preheat the oven to 325°F
- Grease an oven-proof dish
- Heat the oil in deep frying pan; add the onions and sauté until clear
- Add the garlic, ginger, curry powder and turmeric and mix quickly – don’t leave this on the heat for too long, as the garlic can burn
- Add the ground beef / lamb and keep stirring on medium heat until browned
- Add the sugar, mashed bread, chutney, lemon juice and raisins to the mixture
- Season to taste with salt and pepper
- Spoon the mixture into the greased dish, and place into the oven for 35 minutes.
- Mix the eggs with ½ a cup of milk, and any milk that may remain from the bread
- Remove the dish from the oven, and spread the egg mixture evenly over the top
- Add the bay leaves as decoration, and put back into the oven for approximately 15-20 minutes, or until the topping has set
Serving Bobotie
Although South African winters are fairly mild, Bobotie is generally served with rice as comfort food in winter. The rice is generally cooked to be yellow in color (by adding a small amount of turmeric to it); and chutney and sliced bananas are often served as accompaniments. Alternatively, the Bobotie and rice can be served with a small side salad of tomatoes, cucumber and lettuce with a vinaigrette dressing.
Tami Struwig - Tami is a freelance writer who currently writes from her home in South Africa, while her two Labradors lounge at her feet. She is ...
