For 65 years the South African Bobotie recipe has reigned supreme in many homes. It was in 1954 when Bobotie first became a South African household name. The dish bobotie was derived from the Indonesian dish named Bobotok. It first appeared in a Dutch cookbook many moons ago in 1609. People all over the world have been blessed for a smashing 410 years with the goodness that we today call Bobotie.

Bobotie is also quite a personal dish and every household has their own (sometimes secret) way of making the dish. A dish with a recipe that have been passed down from generation to generation. And sometimes with a raisin or without a raisin. 

However, if you are looking to explore a new option or to get started with this incredibly tasty dish, here are some guidelines.

How to make Bobotie

Ingredients:

• 15ml olive oil
• A few finely chopped onions
• 2 teaspoons garlic (finely chopped)
• 1-kilogram mince/ ground beef
•  4 teaspoons curry powder of your choice
• 1 teaspoon turmeric
• 2 teaspoons salt (add salt and pepper to taste)
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice (freshly squeezed or bottled)
• 2 tablespoons apricot jam (your preferred brand, or homemade if you have another secret recipe ????)
• ½ cup of Chutney (Use Mrs. Balls to remain proudly South African)
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce (proudly SA)
• 2 tablespoons tomato sauce (not 36)
• 2 slices of white bread soaked in milk
• 2 eggs (large)
• 500 ml milk
• 2- 3 bay leaves optional

Preparations:

Sauce mix: Combine curry powder, turmeric, salt & pepper, lemon juice, apricot jam, sugar, tomato sauce and milk-soaked bread in a mixing bowl. Mix these ingredients until blended.

Mix eggs, milk and seasoning in another bowl.

Preheat oven to 180 degrees Celsius.

Instructions:

Heat the olive oil in a large saucepan and when hot, sauté the garlic and onion.

Mix in the mince and brown (add water to help with the process). Brown for +- 10 minutes.

Blend in the sauce mixture with the browned meat and simmer for 30 minutes. Stir and mix regularly.

Transfer the meat with blended in sauce to an oven baking dish.

Gently pour the milk and egg mix over the meat and sauce dish and add bay leaves to taste.

What to serve with Bobotie?

You can enjoy your Bobotie with yellow rice, sweet pumpkin or green bean mash.

Ps: leftover Bobotie makes a wonderful go-to meal which you can reheat in the microwave or oven until warm.  

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