Dinner

South African Bobotie

Name: South African Bobotie
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: South African
Ingredients: 2 tbsp vegetable oil; 2 medium onions, finely chopped; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 kg ground beef or lamb; 2 slices white bread; 125 ml milk (for soaking bread); 2 tbsp curry powder; 1 tsp ground turmeric; 1 tsp ground coriander; 1 tsp ground cumin; 2 tbsp fruit chutney (e.g., Mrs. Ball’s); 1 tbsp apricot jam; 2 tbsp vinegar or lemon juice; 2 tbsp raisins or sultanas; 2 large eggs; 250 ml milk (for topping); Salt and pepper, to taste; Bay leaves, for garnish

Bysarra August 12, 2025

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Short description

Bobotie is a classic South African baked dish made with spiced minced meat, sweet chutney, dried fruit, and topped with a golden egg custard. It delivers a perfect blend of savory, sweet, and aromatic flavors, making it a comforting family favorite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

You’ll love bobotie for its unique fusion of flavors—warm curry spices combined with gentle sweetness from chutney and raisins, all balanced by a creamy custard topping. It’s hearty yet elegant, easy enough for a weeknight meal, and special enough for gatherings.

ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

Minced beef or lamb
Curry powder and turmeric
Onion and garlic
Fruit chutney
Bread slices soaked in milk
Eggs and milk (for the custard topping)
Raisins or sultanas
Bay leaves
Salt and pepper

directions

Preheat oven to 180 °C (350 °F).
Soak bread slices in milk and set aside.
Sauté onions and garlic until soft. Stir in curry powder and turmeric.
Add minced meat and cook until browned. Stir in chutney, raisins, salt, and pepper.
Squeeze excess milk from the bread, mash it, and mix into the meat.
Transfer mixture to a greased baking dish and smooth the surface.
Beat eggs with the reserved milk, season lightly, and pour over the meat.
Place bay leaves on top.
Bake uncovered for 30–45 minutes until the custard is set and golden.

Servings and timing

Servings: 4–6
Prep time: 20–30 minutes
Cooking time: 30–45 minutes
Total time: about 1 hour to 1 hour 15 minutes

Variations

Use lamb, pork, or a mix of meats for a richer flavor.
Replace raisins with dried apricots or omit them for a less sweet taste.
Adjust spice levels with mild or hot curry powder.
Make it vegetarian with plant-based mince and dairy-free milk.

storage/reheating

Store in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Freeze for up to 3 months; thaw overnight before reheating.
Reheat in the oven at 180 °C (350 °F) for about 20 minutes or in the microwave until hot.

FAQs

What does bobotie taste like?

It’s savory with a hint of sweetness, mildly spiced, and topped with creamy custard.

Can I prepare bobotie ahead of time?

Yes—assemble it, refrigerate, and bake when ready.

Is bobotie gluten-free?

Not traditionally, but you can make it gluten-free by using gluten-free bread.

Can bobotie be vegetarian?

Yes, by substituting meat with plant-based alternatives.

What do you serve with bobotie?

Typically served with yellow rice, chutney, and sometimes pickled vegetables.

Can I make it spicy?

Yes—add hot curry powder or chili flakes.

Why is bread used in bobotie?

It keeps the meat moist and helps bind the mixture.

Where does bobotie come from?

It has roots in Cape Malay cuisine, influenced by Dutch and Indonesian flavors.

Can I freeze bobotie in portions?

Yes—freeze individual servings for quick reheating.

What can replace chutney?

Apricot jam or mango chutney are good substitutes.

Conclusion

Bobotie is a flavorful and comforting South African classic that brings together sweet and savory notes in one satisfying dish. Whether for a simple family dinner or a festive occasion, its warm spices and creamy topping make it unforgettable

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