Bobotie - A spiced minced meat bake with an egg-based topping.

Ingredients:

• For the Meat Mixture:

  • 500 g ground beef
  • 2 onions, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon curry powder
  • 1 teaspoon turmeric
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon ground coriander
  • 1/2 cup raisins
  • 1/2 cup slivered almonds (optional)
  • 2 slices white bread, soaked in milk
  • 1 tablespoon apricot jam
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 tablespoon vinegar
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Oil, for cooking

• For the Custard Topping:

  • 300 ml milk (use the milk from soaking the bread)
  • 2 eggs
  • Pinch of turmeric or curry powder
  • Bay leaves or lemon leaves for garnish

Instructions:

1. Preheat the Oven:

   • Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).

2. Prepare the Meat Mixture:

   • Heat oil in a pan over medium heat. Add the onions and garlic and sauté until soft.
   • Add curry powder, turmeric, cumin, and coriander, cooking for a minute until fragrant.
   • Add the ground beef, breaking it apart with a spoon, and brown it until it’s fully cooked.
   • Squeeze the milk out of the bread, tear it into small pieces, and add to the pan along with the remaining ingredients (raisins, almonds if using, apricot jam, Worcestershire sauce, vinegar, salt, and pepper). Mix well and cook for a few minutes. Adjust seasoning to taste.
   • Remove from heat and spread the mixture into an oven-proof dish.

3. Prepare the Custard Topping:

   • In a bowl, whisk together the milk, eggs, and a pinch of turmeric or curry powder.
   • Pour the custard mixture over the meat in the dish. Place a few bay leaves or lemon leaves on top to garnish.

4. Bake:

   • Bake in the preheated oven for about 30 minutes, or until the topping is set and golden brown.

5. Serve:

   • Let the bobotie rest for a few minutes before serving. This dish is traditionally served with yellow rice and a selection of sambals or chutneys.