Bobotie is a delicious South African beef casserole that is packed with flavors and spices. It is easy to make and perfect for a cozy family dinner or special occasions.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe?
- The blend of spices like curry powder, turmeric, and cumin creates a unique and flavorful dish.
- Quick and easy prep time makes it ideal for busy weeknights or meal prep.
- The combination of savory and sweet flavors makes it a crowd-pleaser for all occasions.
Ingredient Notes:
- Olive oil and butter for sautéing
- Onions, garlic, and spices for flavor
- Ground beef for the base
- Tomato paste, lemon juice, and vinegar for acidity
- Eggs and milk for the custard topping
- Bread soaked in milk for added moisture
- Bay leaves and Worcestershire sauce for depth of flavor
- Indian-style fruit chutney for sweetness
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 350°F.
- In a skillet, heat olive oil and butter. Add onions, salt, and spices, then cook until onions are soft.
- Add ground beef and cook until browned. Stir in tomato paste, garlic, lemon juice, zest, vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, and chutney.
- In a separate bowl, mix bread soaked in milk, eggs, and cayenne pepper. Pour over the beef mixture.
- Top with bay leaves and bake for 30-40 minutes until set.
Helpful Tips:
- Make sure to soak the bread in milk until it’s completely soft for a moist texture.
- Adjust the spice levels to your preference by adding more or less cayenne pepper.
- Serve with a side of yellow rice and a fresh salad for a complete meal.
Expert Tips for the Best Results:
- For a richer flavor, let the bobotie sit for a few hours or overnight before baking.
- Experiment with different types of ground meat like lamb or turkey for a unique twist.
Serving Suggestions:
Bobotie pairs well with yellow rice, chutney, and a side of pickled vegetables. Serve with a glass of South African wine for an authentic experience.
Storage and Reheating Tips:
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until heated through.
Frequently Asked Questions:
- Can I make bobotie ahead of time? Yes, you can assemble the dish and refrigerate it before baking.
- What can I substitute for ground beef? Ground lamb or turkey are great alternatives.
- Can I freeze bobotie? Yes, you can freeze it before baking for up to 3 months.
- Is bobotie spicy? The dish has a mild spice level, but you can add more cayenne pepper for heat.
Conclusion:
Try this delicious and comforting South African beef casserole for a unique and flavorful meal. Don’t forget to share your feedback and enjoy the rich and aromatic flavors of bobotie!
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Bobotie (South African Beef Casserole)
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 4-6 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: South African
Description
Bobotie is a traditional South African dish with a flavorful combination of ground beef, curry spices, and sweet chutney, topped with a creamy custard. It’s a comforting and exotic casserole that will transport your taste buds to Africa.
Ingredients
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 tablespoon butter
– 1 large onion, diced
– 2 teaspoons kosher salt, plus more to taste
– 5 teaspoons curry powder
– 1/2 teaspoon ground turmeric
– 1 teaspoon ground cumin
– 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
– 1 teaspoon dried oregano
– 2 pounds ground beef
– 4 bay laurel leaves, divided
– 1 rounded tablespoon tomato paste
– 4 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 tablespoons lemon juice
– 1 teaspoon lemon zest
– 1 tablespoon wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar, or to taste
– 1/2 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
– 1/3 cup Indian-style fruit chutney, or to taste
– 3 slices white bread, crusts removed
– 1 1/2 cups milk, divided
– 2 large eggs
– 1 pinch cayenne pepper
Instructions
1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a large skillet, heat olive oil and butter over medium heat. Add onions, salt, curry powder, turmeric, cumin, black pepper, and oregano. Cook until onions are soft.
3. Add ground beef and 2 bay leaves. Cook until beef is browned. Stir in tomato paste, garlic, lemon juice, lemon zest, vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, and chutney.
4. Soak bread in 1 cup of milk, then squeeze out excess liquid. Add bread to the beef mixture and mix well.
5. Transfer the mixture to a baking dish. Remove bay leaves.
6. In a bowl, whisk together eggs, remaining milk, and cayenne pepper. Pour over the beef mixture.
7. Top with 2 bay leaves and bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the custard is set and golden brown.
Notes
– For a twist, add raisins or apricots to the beef mixture for extra sweetness.
– Serve Bobotie with yellow rice and chutney on the side for a complete South African meal experience.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 478
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 1021mg
- Fat: 29g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 21g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 33g
- Cholesterol: 182mg