South African · Dinner · Easy
Bobotie
0.0 (0 ratings)- Total
- 1 hr 15 min
- Prep
- 25 min
- Serves
- 6
- Calories
- 440
A golden egg topping covers gently curried beef, raisins and soft bread in South Africa's sweet-savory baked supper.
Under its thin custard lid, Bobotie stays soft and spoonable rather than firm like meatloaf. Curry powder, raisins and apricot jam season the beef in this South African bake, while vinegar keeps the sweetness in check.
Use ground beef with a little fat and squeeze the soaked bread before mixing it in. Let the filling cool slightly before adding the topping so the egg sets in a distinct layer.
Method
Heat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Soak the bread in the milk for . Squeeze the bread over the bowl, keeping the milk for the topping.
Heat the vegetable oil in a skillet over medium heat. Cook the onion for until soft, then stir in garlic and curry powder for until fragrant.
Add the ground beef and cook for , breaking up clumps, until browned and at least 160°F. Mix in the bread, raisins, apricot jam, vinegar, salt and black pepper.
Spread the filling in an 8-inch square baking dish and let cool for . Whisk the eggs into the reserved milk, pour over the beef and lay the bay leaves on top.
Bake for until the custard is set in the center and lightly golden. Remove the bay leaves and rest for before spooning into portions.
Forkue tips
- A mild curry powder lets the fruit remain noticeable; add heat at the table if you want it sharper.
Storing and reheating
Refrigerate for up to 3 days. Reheat covered at 325°F (165°C) until hot through; uncover only briefly so the custard stays tender.
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Kitchen gear
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Photo: Olga Ernst, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons (cropped and enhanced)
Bobotie: FAQ
Can I assemble bobotie ahead?
Yes. Refrigerate the cooked beef filling separately from the egg and milk mixture, then combine just before baking. A cold filling will need a little longer in the oven.
What goes with bobotie?
Yellow rice and a sharp tomato salad balance the rich beef. Keep extra fruit chutney on the side so each person can choose the sweetness.
How do I store and reheat Bobotie?
Refrigerate for up to 3 days. Reheat covered at 325°F (165°C) until hot through; uncover only briefly so the custard stays tender.
How long does Bobotie take?
About 1 hr 15 min in total: 25 min prep and 50 min cooking.
What do I need to make Bobotie?
The key ingredients are ground beef, bread, milk, onion, garlic and curry powder, plus pantry basics.
Any tips for Bobotie?
A mild curry powder lets the fruit remain noticeable; add heat at the table if you want it sharper.
