READY IN ABOUT 2 hrs

Best Bobotie

Read Reviews (16)

"This South African original is similar to meatloaf, but so much better. A slightly sweet curry flavors ground beef with a milk and egg custard on top. It's delicious!" — trixie

Directions

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.
Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the onions in the hot oil until soft. Break the ground beef into the skillet and cook until brown.
Place the milk in a shallow dish. Soak the bread in the milk. Squeeze the excess milk from the bread. Set the milk aside. Add the bread to the beef mixture. Stir in the raisins, apricot jam, chutney, curry powder, salt, and black pepper. Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish.
Bake in the preheated oven 1 hour.
While the bobotie bakes, whisk together the reserved milk, egg, and a pinch of salt. Pour over top of the dish. Lay the bay leaf onto the top of the milk mixture.
Return the bobotie to the oven until the top is golden brown, 25 to 30 minutes. Remove bay leaf before serving.

Kitchen-Friendly View

PREP 15 mins
COOK 1 hr 40 mins
READY IN 1 hr 55 mins

Reviews More Reviews

Most Helpful Positive Review

Dec 22, 2008

The only change I made to this recipe was to subsitute an extra 1 tsp of chutney to replace the teaspoon of apricot jam since I didn't have any. The flavor was very good but it was too dry and almost burnt from baking for so long. When I make it again I'll use a 2 quart casserole instead of a 3 quart. I'll also shorten the baking time from 1 hour to 1/2 an hour before adding the egg mixture and then continue to bake for only 15-20 minutes after adding the egg mixture. I'd also add another egg to the milk to make it thicker. This really does have great flavor and I definitely recommend it with the above changes. ***Update: I made this recipe again with the changes I suggested. We all loved it! The bobotie was moist and delicious. I've passed the recipe along to family who also love it. I'd give it the recipe five stars with the changes.

—Rebecca B.

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Most Helpful Critical Review

Jun 27, 2011

A little too sweet for my liking, but my boyfriend came up with a brilliant idea to spread the apricot jam on top and serve it for breakfast.

—kristi.goodin

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19 Ratings

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May 24, 2008

Oh my goodness. I would NEVER have thought of putting an egg custard on top of this dish. I have also never eaten minced beef quite as sweet as this. I didn't have any chutney or jam, but used peach jelly as a substitute for both, and it turned out awesome. I surprised my wife with this recipe, as she works longer hours than me. She loved it, as did the kids. I served it with roast potatoes and minted peas, and now have my extended family hooked on it too. I am now going to try other South African recipes because this one was a real surprise.

—Brad

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Dec 30, 2009

Super easy and taste great! I m a South African living abroad and regularly impresses guests with this recipe combined with the South African Yellow Rice also on this site. Ideal when served with a tablespoon serving of mango chutney as well as sliced bananas.

—Stephan

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Oct 09, 2009

Try sticking a few lemon leaves into the bobotie so that it just sticks out on top, before the bobotie goes into the oven(about 3 leaves).It just add to the flavour.

—Philida

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Jul 08, 2010

Very good. I had a dish very similar to this a couple of times recently while on a safari. Easy to make and wonderful. Thank you.

—sosocook

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Mar 14, 2012

I loved this recipe. I used a milder mango chutney because I no not like things too spicy. I was hesitant to add the egg mixture but it added just the right amount of creamy gooness. I did add 2 tbsp of flour to the eggs so it would not be too runny. FABULOUS! I will maked this again and again, for sure!

—born2bake

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Jun 27, 2011

This recipe had very interesting flavor, but the cooking time needs to be reduced by almost half.

—Niki

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Nutrition

Calories
767 kcal
38%

Carbohydrates
34.2 g
11%

Cholesterol
202 mg
67%

Fat
55.2 g
85%

Fiber
2.4 g
10%

Protein
34.3 g
69%

Sodium
928 mg
37%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.

Nutritional Information

Best Bobotie

Serving Size: 1/4 of a recipe
Servings Per Recipe: 4
Amount Per Serving
Calories: 767
Calories from Fat: 496

% Daily Value *
Total Fat 55.2g 85 %
Saturated Fat 20.7g 104 %
Cholesterol 202mg 67 %
Sodium 928mg 37 %
Potassium 778mg 22 %
Total Carbohydrates 34.2g 11 %
Dietary Fiber 2.4g 10 %
Protein 34.3g 69 %
** Sugars 20.3g
Vitamin A 4 %
Vitamin C 10 %
Calcium 18 %
Iron 46 %
** Thiamin 18 %
Niacin 120 %
Vitamin B6 36 %
Magnesium 19 %
Folate 27 %

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
** Nutrient information is not available for all ingredients. Amount is based on available nutrient data.
(-) Information is not currently available for this nutrient. If you are following a medically restrictive diet, please consult your doctor or registered dietitian before preparing this recipe for personal consumption.