Recipes
South Africa

Bobotie

A beloved Cape Malay curried mince dish topped with a creamy egg custard.

Ingredients

  • 500g beef or lamb mince
  • 1 onion, finely chopped
  • 2 carrots, grated
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 2 tbsp curry powder
  • 1 tsp turmeric
  • 1 tbsp apricot jam
  • 2 slices bread soaked in milk
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice
  • 2 bay leaves
  • 1 tsp thyme
  • 2 eggs
  • 250ml milk

Method

  1. 1

    Brown mince with onions and garlic

  2. 2

    Add spices and cook until fragrant

  3. 3

    Mix in soaked bread, jam, lemon juice

  4. 4

    Transfer to baking dish with bay leaves

  5. 5

    Whisk eggs with milk and turmeric for topping

  6. 6

    Pour over meat and bake at 180°C for 30-40 minutes

Swaps & variations

  • Add raisins for sweetness
  • Swap mince for lentils (vegetarian)
  • Add grated apple for moisture
  • Use gluten-free bread

Storing & freezing

Keeps refrigerated for 3 days. Freezes well for up to 3 months.

Grow it yourself

  • Plant onion sets in early spring
  • Carrots prefer loose, sandy soil
  • Grow your own herbs for fresh thyme
  • Companion plant with carrots and onions
  • Natural pest control with marigolds
  • Onions: Harvest when tops fall over
  • Carrots: Pull when shoulders visible
  • Thyme: Harvest before flowering

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