Bobotie is a South African comfort-food classic of warmly spiced minced meat baked beneath a tender savory egg custard.
Curry, chutney, raisins, and lemon balance the beef, while milk-soaked bread keeps the filling moist.
Let the beef mixture cool slightly before adding the custard so the layers remain distinct.
Serving Suggestions
Serve with yellow rice, fruit chutney, sliced banana, or a crisp cucumber salad.
Recipe Notes
Assemble the beef layer one day ahead. Add the custard just before baking.
Classic South African Bobotie
Warmly spiced South African minced beef with raisins and chutney beneath a golden egg custard.
Equipment
- Large skillet
- 2-quart baking dish
- Mixing bowl
- Whisk
- Wooden spoon
Ingredients
Beef Filling
- 2 tbsp neutral oil
- 2 large yellow onions diced
- 2 lb ground beef
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 2 tbsp mild curry powder
- 1 tsp ground turmeric
- 2 slices white bread crusts removed
- 1 1/2 cups whole milk divided
- 1/3 cup raisins
- 1/4 cup fruit chutney plus more to serve
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp kosher salt
Custard
- 3 large eggs
- 4 medium bay leaves
Instructions
Cook the Filling:
- Heat the oven to 350 F (175 C). Soak the bread in 1/2 cup milk, then squeeze and mash it.
- Cook onions in oil until soft. Add beef and brown, then stir in garlic, curry, turmeric, bread, raisins, chutney, lemon, and salt.
- Spread in the baking dish and cool for 10 minutes.
Bake:
- Whisk the eggs with remaining milk and pour over the beef. Place bay leaves on top.
- Bake 35 to 40 minutes until the custard is set and golden. Rest 10 minutes before serving.
Notes
- Use mild curry for balance.
- Cool the filling before topping.
- Remove bay leaves before serving.
Nutrition
Calories: 560kcalCarbohydrates: 25gProtein: 38gFat: 34gSaturated Fat: 13gCholesterol: 210mgSodium: 780mgFiber: 3gSugar: 13g