Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon

Bobotie (South African Beef Casserole)

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star No reviews
  • Author: Lily Carter
  • 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