RecipesSouth African 
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
Brown mince with onions and garlic
- 2
Add spices and cook until fragrant
- 3
Mix in soaked bread, jam, lemon juice
- 4
Transfer to baking dish with bay leaves
- 5
Whisk eggs with milk and turmeric for topping
- 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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