Bobotie – Monwana Lodge

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Comfort is what it’s all about when you enjoy a South African safari at Monwana Lodge. This luxury extends to the five-star food served here. Re-live this flavourful experience by creating one of South Africa’s most heart-warming dishes to share with family and friends back at home.

Bobotie

Ingredients

1kg Minced lamb or beef
½ Onion (diced)
25ml Cooking oil
10ml Butter
25ml Curry powder
10ml Salt
25ml Peach or apricot chutney
15ml Smooth Apricot jam
15ml Worcestershire sauce
5ml Turmeric
25ml Malt vinegar
1 handful Raisins
3 Eggs
375ml Milk
1 slice Bread – crusts removed
1 pinch Salt
Bay leaves

Method Heat oven to 180c Place the bread in a bowl with the milk and leave it to soak Heat the oil in a large saucepan and fry the onions over a low heat until soft Add the curry powder, salt, chutney, Worcestershire sauce, jam, turmeric and vinegar Mix well Drain the bread, reserving the milk Add the bread to the pan with the raisins and meat Cook over a low heat until the meat is browned Remove from heat Beat the egg and add it to the meat mixture with the raisins, mixing well Spoon the mixture into a greased oven dish or individual ramekins and level the tops Beat the last 2 eggs with the reserved milk and add turmeric and salt, mixing well Pour the egg custard over the meat mixture – place 1 bay leaf per serving on top Bake uncovered until set and browned – approx. 1 hour Serve with yellow rice, banana, coconut and chutney.

Where Does Bobotie Come From?

Bobotie is widely regarded as South Africa’s national dish and is enjoyed by all the races of the Rainbow Nation. However, its origins are a little uncertain. The spicy undertones of this dish point to a Cape Malay heritage, but the recipe first appeared in a Dutch cookbook during the 17th century. Even the Romans served a variation of bobotie, called Patinam ex lacte over 2000 years ago, too. Wherever it comes from, there’s no doubt that bobotie is here to stay. You’ll find out why when you book your safari with Thornybush. Get in touch to explore the amazing landscapes, cuisine and wildlife of South Africa.