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Bobotie is one of those recipes you’ve probably heard of, but may never have actually eaten. Or maybe you’ve had it once using one of those Knorr World Dishes meal kits that were hugely popular for a while (or maybe still are? Honestly, I’m not sure). This bobotie recipe comes from Sandra of Awaywego. She made it years ago for Paper Travels (my travel blog), but it was definitely time for it to finally make an appearance here on Simone’s Kitchen as well. I made it based on her recipe.
Table of contents
South African Bobotie Recipe
Whether this version is 100% authentically South African, I honestly couldn’t tell you. But I checked on the site of my South African friend Jeanne from Cooksister and found her version here. It’s not too different I think. Visiting South Africa is still very high on my wish list, by the way. And in a slightly strange way, this dish actually reminds me a bit of the Swedish dish Flying Jacob.
Why This Recipe Works
It has the perfect balance of savory and sweet, it’s ideal for making ahead, and thanks to the eggs it has a lovely creamy texture. Serve it with rice or potatoes- or enjoy it just as it is!
Recipe Ingredients
This bobotie recipe includes a few less common ingredients – apple and apricot jam, for example. But if you like a subtle sweet note in savory dishes, you’ll absolutely love it! Check the full ingredient list in the recipe card below.
- Ground meat – I used ground beef, but any type works well
- Spices – turmeric, garam masala, curry powder, mango chutney (you can also make your own using this mango chutney recipe)
- Extras – eggs, raisins, apple, apricot jam
- White bread – you can use whole wheat bread if you prefer, but this helps bind everything together
How To Make Bobotie
Don’t be intimidated by the ingredient list – it really isn’t complicated at all.
Start by prepping the vegetables and cook the green beans for about 6 minutes. Drain and set aside. Heat a large skillet and briefly toast the spices in some oil. Lower the heat, add the onion, and cook until translucent. Then add the garlic and ground meat.
In a bowl, combine the bread with the milk and let it soak. Then add the vinegar, chutney, jam, cinnamon, apple, almonds, and raisins. Once the meat is cooked through, add the green beans and the bread mixture. Season with salt and pepper. In a separate bowl, whisk the eggs with the remaining milk.
Transfer the meat mixture to a large baking dish and pour the egg-milk mixture over the top.
Bake in the oven for about 35 minutes, until cooked through and golden brown. The bobotie is done when the egg layer is nicely set and golden.
FAQ Bobotie Recipe
Bobotie is a traditional South African baked dish made with spiced ground meat and a lightly sweet flavor, topped with a creamy egg custard. It’s often served with rice and sides like sambal or chutney.
Ground beef is the most classic choice, but a beef-and-pork blend works well for a juicier result. Lamb is also traditional, though it has a stronger flavor.
Yes, absolutely. You can prepare the meat mixture a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Add the egg mixture just before baking.
Yes, bobotie freezes well. Ideally, freeze it without the egg topping. Let it cool completely, wrap it airtight, and after thawing add the egg mixture before baking.
If you don’t have mango chutney, you can use extra apricot jam with a small splash of vinegar to balance the sweetness.
Sure. The raisins add sweetness, but you can replace them with extra apple, dried apricots, or simply omit them if you’re not a fan.
Bobotie is traditionally served with white or yellow rice. It’s also great with a fresh cucumber salad, green beans, or an extra spoonful of chutney on the side.
Easy Bobotie Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 onion finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic
- 400 grams green beans cut into smaller pieces
- 1 tbsp turmeric
- 1 tbsp garam masala
- 1 tbsp curry powder
- 600 grams ground meat
- 2 slices white bread crusts removed and torn into pieces
- 2½ dl milk
- 30 ml vinegar
- 2 tbsp apricot jam or 1 tbsp for a less sweet version
- 2 tbsp mango chutney
- 50 grams almonds finely chopped
- 1 tbsp cinnamon
- 1 apple diced
- 75 grams raisins
- 3 eggs
- Olive oil
- Salt and pepper
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 175°C (350°F).
- Finely chop the onion and garlic. Trim the green beans and cut them into pieces.
- Cook the green beans for 6 minutes, then set aside.
- Heat oil in a pan and briefly toast the turmeric, garam masala, and curry powder. Lower the heat, add the onion, and cook until golden. Add the garlic and ground meat.
- In a bowl, mix the bread with the milk. Let it soak, squeeze out the milk (save the milk!) and break up the bread. Then add the vinegar, chutney, jam, cinnamon, apple, almonds, and raisins. Stir to combine.
- Once the meat is cooked, add the green beans and bread mixture. Season with salt and pepper.
- In another bowl, whisk the eggs with the milk.
- Transfer the meat mixture to a baking dish and pour the egg mixture over the top.
- Bake for 35 minutes at 175°C until the egg topping is set and golden brown.
Nutrition Information per portion:
Disclaimer:
The nutritional values above are calculated per portion. The details are based on standard nutritional tables and do not constitute a professional nutritional advice.
