Classic Bobotie
Spiced savoury beef mince baked beneath a golden, silky egg custard topping with fragrant bay leaves.
Sweet, savoury, and topped with golden custard—this is South Africa’s ultimate comfort food! Bobotie has been loved here for over 300 years, and one taste tells you why. Spiced minced beef layered with fruit chutney and sultanas, topped with a silky egg and milk custard, and baked until the edges turn golden and crisp. It is pure magic on a plate.
Before you start
Get your mise en place ready so nothing catches you out mid-cook.
Method
- 1
Soak Bread & Sauté Aromatics
Preheat the oven to 180°C and grease a baking dish (about 30 x 20 cm). Place 3 crustless bread slices in a shallow bowl, pour over 350 ml milk, and soak for 5 minutes. Squeeze the milk out of the bread gently, reserving the strained milk in a jug for the custard topping later. Mash the softened bread with a fork.
- 2
Heat 2 tbsp oil and 2 tsp butter in a large skillet or pot over medium heat. Add 2 sliced onions and 4 minced garlic cloves, frying for 4–5 minutes until soft and translucent.
- 3
Bloom Spices & Cook Mince
Add 2 tbsp mild curry powder, 4 tbsp fruit chutney, 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce, ½ tsp turmeric, 1 tsp minced ginger, ½ tsp ground cinnamon, and 2 tbsp red wine vinegar to the pan. Cook while stirring for 1–2 minutes until fragrant and glossy.
The rest of this recipe
There’s 11 more ingredients and 5 more steps to go.
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Ivana Sanshia’s note
Pressing the mince firmly and evenly into the dish before pouring the custard is the secret to getting a clean, distinct custard layer on top that won't seep into the meat.
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