Name: Bobotie (South African Beef Casserole)
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 55 min
Cuisine: South African
Ingredients: Main Ingredients: 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 tablespoon butter; 1 large onion, diced; 2 teaspoons kosher salt; 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; 1/2 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce; 1/3 cup Indian-style fruit chutney; For the Custard Topping: 3 slices white bread, crusts removed; 1 1/2 cups milk, divided; 2 large eggs; 1 pinch cayenne pepper

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Bobotie is a delicious South African beef casserole that is packed with flavor and spices. This dish is easy to make and perfect for any occasion, from weeknight dinners to special gatherings.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe?

Great flavors: The combination of curry powder, turmeric, and other spices creates a unique and savory taste.
Quick prep time: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you can have this dish ready in no time.
Perfect for meal prep: Bobotie can be made ahead of time and reheated, making it a convenient option for busy days.

Ingredient Notes:

Olive oil and butter: Used for sautéing the onions and adding richness to the dish.
Ground beef: Provides the main protein component of the casserole.
Curry powder, turmeric, cumin, and black pepper: These spices add depth and warmth to the dish.
Tomato paste, garlic, lemon juice, and zest: Enhance the flavor profile of the bobotie.
Vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, and fruit chutney: Add a tangy and sweet element to the casserole.
Bread and milk: Used to create a custard-like topping for the dish.
Eggs and cayenne pepper: Bind the ingredients together and add a hint of heat.

Step-by-Step Instructions:

Heat olive oil and butter in a skillet.
Sauté diced onions with salt until translucent.
Add curry powder, turmeric, cumin, black pepper, and oregano.
Brown the ground beef with bay leaves.
Stir in tomato paste, garlic, lemon juice, zest, vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, and chutney.
Soak bread in milk and mix with eggs and cayenne pepper.
Spread the beef mixture in a baking dish and top with the bread mixture.
Bake until golden brown and set.

Helpful Tips:

For a twist, try using ground lamb or turkey instead of beef.
Serve bobotie with yellow rice and a side of chutney for a complete meal.
Leftovers can be frozen for up to three months and reheated in the oven for best results.

Expert Tips for the Best Results:

Use a mix of different spices for a more complex flavor profile.
Let the bobotie rest for a few minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld together.

Serving Suggestions:

Bobotie pairs well with a side of yellow rice, fresh salad, and a glass of Chenin Blanc or Rooibos iced tea.

Storage and Reheating Tips:

Store leftover bobotie in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use lean ground beef for this recipe?

Yes, lean ground beef works well in bobotie and will result in a lighter dish.

Can I make bobotie ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the dish up to a day in advance and bake it when ready to serve.

What can I substitute for fruit chutney?

Apricot jam or mango chutney can be used as a substitute for fruit chutney in this recipe.

Is bobotie a spicy dish?

Bobotie is not traditionally spicy, but you can adjust the heat level by adding more cayenne pepper to suit your taste.

Conclusion:

Try making this flavorful and easy-to-prepare bobotie recipe for your next meal. Don’t forget to share your feedback and enjoy the taste of South African cuisine!

Bobotie (South African Beef Casserole)

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Bobotie is a flavorful South African beef casserole with a hint of curry and sweetness from fruit chutney. This dish is a comforting and aromatic meal that is perfect for gatherings or family dinners.

Author: Touria Elkoudssi
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 40 mins
Total Time: 55 mins
Yield: 4–6 servings 1x
Category: Main-course
Method: Baking
Cuisine: South African
Diet: Halal

Instructions

Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C).
Cook Onion Mixture: In a large skillet, heat olive oil and butter. Add diced onion, salt, curry powder, turmeric, cumin, black pepper, and oregano. Cook until onion is soft.
Add Ground Beef: Add ground beef, bay leaves, tomato paste, garlic, lemon juice, lemon zest, vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, and fruit chutney. Cook until beef is browned.
Make Custard Topping: Soak bread in 1 cup of milk. Squeeze excess milk and crumble the bread. Mix with eggs, remaining milk, and cayenne pepper.
Assemble Bobotie: Transfer beef mixture to a baking dish. Top with custard mixture.
Bake: Bake for about 30-40 minutes until the custard is set and golden.
Serve: Serve hot with rice or bread.

Notes

You can customize the level of spiciness by adjusting the amount of curry powder and cayenne pepper.
Traditionally, bobotie is served with yellow rice and chutney on the side.