Name: Bobotie (South African Spiced Minced Beef Bake)
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 60 min
Yield: 2 servings
Cuisine: African
Ingredients: 350 g Ground Beef; 1 Onion, finely chopped; 2 clove Garlic, minced; 1 tbsp Neutral Oil; 1 tbsp Curry Powder; ¼ tsp Ground Turmeric; ¼ tsp Ground Cinnamon; 1 tbsp Apricot Jam; 2 tbsp Raisins; 1 White Bread, small slice, soaked and squeezed; ¾ cup Milk, divided between soaking and topping; 1 Egg, beaten; 1 Bay Laurel Leaf, for topping; 1 tsp Lemon Juice; ¾ tsp Salt, adjust to taste; ¼ tsp Ground Black Pepper

Bobotie (South African Spiced Minced Beef Bake)

1 hrtotal

35 min hands-on25 min hands-off

Prep 15 min · Cook 20 min

Serves: 2
Difficulty: Medium
Spice: Mild

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Method

Preheat the oven to 180°C. Soak the bread in part of the measured milk until soft, then squeeze it lightly and keep the milk for the topping.
Heat the measured oil in a pan over medium heat. Add the onion and cook until soft, then add the garlic and stir until fragrant.
Add the curry powder, turmeric, and cinnamon. Stir briefly, then add the ground beef and cook until it loses its raw color and breaks into small pieces.
Stir in the soaked bread, apricot jam, raisins, lemon juice, salt, and black pepper. Cook until the mixture is moist but not watery.
Transfer the mince mixture to a small baking dish and level the top without pressing it too tightly.
Whisk the egg with the reserved milk and pour it evenly over the mince. Place the bay leaf on top.
Bake until the topping is just set and lightly golden. Rest for 5 minutes before slicing so the layers hold together.
5 min

How to tell it's done

The mince should be moist and sliceable, with a softly set golden topping and no loose liquid around the edges.

Getting it right

Tip

Do not overbake the custard topping; it should set softly rather than become rubbery.

What to serve it with

Serve with yellow rice, chutney, sliced banana, or a crisp green salad.

Substitutions

Ground lamb can replace ground beef for a richer version, but the flavor and fat level will change.
Breadcrumbs can replace soaked white bread, but keep the mixture moist so the bake does not become dense.
A dairy-free milk alternative will change the topping; check every ingredient label and cross-contact risk before serving someone with a dairy allergy.

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Ingredients