Bobotie (South African Beef Casserole)
Bobotie is a delicious South African beef casserole that is full of flavor and perfect for any occasion. With its unique blend of spices and savory ingredients, this dish is sure to become a favorite in your household.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe?
- Great flavors: The combination of curry powder, turmeric, and cumin gives this dish a rich and aromatic taste.
- Quick prep time: This recipe is easy to make and requires minimal effort, perfect for busy weeknights.
- Perfect for meal prep: Bobotie can be made ahead of time and reheated, making it a convenient option for meal planning.
Ingredient Notes:
- Olive oil and butter: Used for sautéing the onions and beef, adding richness to the dish.
- Ground beef: Provides the main protein component, but can be substituted with ground turkey or lamb for a different flavor.
- Indian-style fruit chutney: Adds a sweet and tangy element to the dish, but can be replaced with apricot jam or mango chutney.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet.
- Add diced onions and cook until translucent.
- Season with salt, curry powder, turmeric, cumin, black pepper, and oregano.
- Add ground beef and cook until browned.
- Stir in tomato paste, garlic, lemon juice, lemon zest, vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, and chutney.
- Soak bread in milk, then mix with beaten eggs and cayenne pepper.
- Spread meat mixture in a baking dish, top with bread mixture, and garnish with bay leaves.
- Bake until golden brown and set.
Helpful Tips:
- For a more authentic flavor, use South African curry powder.
- Bobotie tastes even better the next day, so make extra for leftovers.
- Substitute ground lamb for a richer and more traditional taste.
Expert Tips for the Best Results:
- Toast the spices before adding them to the dish for a more intense flavor.
- Use a mixture of white and whole wheat bread for added texture.
Serving Suggestions:
Serve Bobotie with yellow rice, chutney, and a side salad for a complete meal. Pair with a South African wine like Pinotage for a perfect dining experience.
Storage and Reheating Tips:
Store leftover Bobotie in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F until heated through, or microwave for a quick meal.
Frequently Asked Questions:
- Can I make Bobotie ahead of time? Yes, Bobotie can be assembled and refrigerated overnight before baking.
- What can I serve with Bobotie? Yellow rice, chutney, and a salad are popular accompaniments.
- Can I freeze Bobotie? Yes, Bobotie can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
- Is Bobotie spicy? The level of spice can be adjusted to suit your preference, making it mild or more flavorful.
Conclusion:
Bobotie is a comforting and flavorful dish that is sure to impress your family and friends. Try this South African classic for a taste of something new and exciting in your kitchen. Share your feedback and enjoy the delicious flavors of Bobotie!
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Bobotie (South African Beef Casserole)
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 4-6 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: South African
Description
Bobotie is a flavorful and aromatic South African beef casserole infused with curry powder, turmeric, and fruit chutney, topped with a creamy egg custard. It’s a comforting dish that combines sweet, savory, and spicy flavors in every bite.
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) and grease a baking dish.
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, 2 bay laurel leaves, tomato paste, garlic, lemon juice, lemon zest, vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, and fruit chutney. Cook until beef is browned.
4. Soak bread in 1 cup of milk, then squeeze out excess liquid. Add bread to the beef mixture.
5. Spoon the mixture into the prepared baking dish.
6. In a bowl, whisk together eggs, 1/2 cup of milk, and cayenne pepper. Pour over the beef mixture.
7. Top with 2 bay laurel leaves and bake for 30-40 minutes until the custard is set and golden brown.
8. Serve hot with rice or bread.
Notes
– For a spicier version, add chopped chilies or hot sauce to the beef mixture.
– You can substitute ground lamb or turkey for beef for a different twist.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 11g
- Sodium: 1060mg
- Fat: 26g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 26g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 180mg
