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World Cuisine · South African

Bobotie – South African Spiced Meat Casserole

A comforting baked mince dish flavoured with curry, apricot and almond, topped with a silky egg custard, classic to South Africa's Cape Malay heritage.

September 28, 2026 My Daily Cook
Prep
20 min
Cook
45 min
Total
1 hr 5 min
Serves
4
Difficulty
Medium
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Bobotie – South African Spiced Meat Casserole Save
Step by step

Method

6 steps · 1 hr 5 min
0 of 6 done · tap a number as you finish each step
  1. Step 1 of 6

    Heat the oil in a large pan over medium heat and sweat the onion until translucent, about 5 minutes; add the garlic and cook another minute.

  2. Step 2 of 6

    Stir in the curry, turmeric and coriander, cooking for 30 seconds before adding the minced meat, breaking it up and browning for 5–7 minutes.

  3. Step 3 of 6

    Dissolve the bread in the milk, then add it to the pan along with chutney, sultanas, almonds, lemon juice, sugar, salt and pepper; simmer gently for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.

  4. Step 4 of 6

    Pre‑heat the oven to 180°C / 350°F (160°C fan). Transfer the meat mixture to a greased 20 cm (8 in) baking dish, smooth the surface.

  5. Step 5 of 6

    Combine the beaten eggs with the cream, pour over the meat, and bake for 30–35 minutes until the custard is set and lightly golden.

  6. Step 6 of 6

    Allow the bobotie to rest 5 minutes before slicing; serve with yellow rice and a green salad.

Notes from the kitchen

If apricot chutney is unavailable, substitute with a sweet tomato jam mixed with a pinch of cinnamon; the dish keeps well refrigerated for 2 days, reheated gently.

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