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Indian Cuisine

South African Bobotie

Prep35 min
Cook1h
Total1h 35min
Yield8 portions
LevelAdvanced
 
 
Bobotie
About This Recipe

Bobotie combines a fascinating array of ingredients: meat, curry, spices and dried fruit. The result is a unique tasting sweet, sour and spicy meat dish. It was traditional for the Malay people to have a Sunday roast each week. On the following Monday, they would use the leftover roast meat (beef or lamb) to make […]

Scale This Recipe

Servings

Ingredients

Units
  • 1 tablespoon butter
  • 2 medium onions, — finely chopped
  • 2.5 pounds ground beef, extra
  • 2 bread slices, — soaked in ½ cup of milk
  • 3 large eggs
  • 1 cup milk
  • 1 tablespoon Madras curry powder
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 0.5 teaspoon pepper
  • 0.5 teaspoon
  • 1 medium lemon, — freshly squeezed
  • 0.5 cup raisins
  • 0.5 cup chopped dried apricots
  • 0.25 cup shaved almonds
  • 3 small bay leaves or lemon leaves
  • 2 medium bananas, ripe

Instructions

  1. 1
    Heat oven to 400ºF /200ºC.
  2. 2
    Soak chopped, dried apricots in boiling water to soften and then when soft. Melt the butter in a large pan, fry the onions and then add the meat and cook until browned. With a wooden spatula, break down the meat while cooking to avoid thick chunks.
  3. 3
    Soak the bread in the milk on a plate until soggy and set aside. While the is cooking, add and mix into it all the ingredients except the milk, eggs, lemon and bay leaves. Add a quarter cup of water if it starts to get dry. When it is all mixed, add the two slices of soggy bread and mash it into the mixture. Remove from heat and add two eggs, mixing before it sets. Spoon the mixture into a greased oven dish, then pop the leaves into the mince. Make sure the mince is spread flat and packed tightly.
  4. 4

    Beat the remaining egg with the remaining milk and pour uniformly over the mince. Bake for about 40 minutes or until the egg mixture is thoroughly cooked and golden brown. Serve with your favorite chutney, and bananas cut into slices.

Techniques in this recipe
Baking
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Tools Used in This Recipe

KitchenAid
Immersion Blender
Victorinox
8" Chef's Knife
All-Clad
Heavy-Bottom Stock Pot

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Chef's Notes

Watch almonds closely as they toast — their high oil content means they can burn fast once they start to color. You'll find techniques like this one across our full course library.

If you'd ever like hands-on guidance for your own kitchen or restaurant, I also offer 1-on-1 coaching through OCS, or you can reach me directly for consulting at 911ChefEric.com.

— Chef Eric

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