Vuyani Safari Lodge Bush Banquet…

We have had so many guests enquire about the Bobotie recipe that I thought it is time I track Stephanie, Janus and Busi down and let you in on one of South Africa’s best kept secrets.

If you have visited the lodge in the past you will definitely be familiar with this dish. Bobotie also spelt bobotjie, is a South African dish consisting of spiced minced meat baked with an egg-based topping. Bobotok was an Indonesian dish consisting of meat with a custard topping that was cooked in a pan of water until the egg mixture set.


This dish is often served with Yellow Rice and is well known among South Africans. If you think of lunch at your Grandmother’s house this will typically be served, along with of course Milk Tart (but I will leave this recipe for next time) Real South African Comfort food.

Traditional South African Bobotie:

Ingredients:

  • 1 kilogram minced beef
  • ½ onion (diced)
  • 25 ml cooking oil
  • 10 ml butter
  • 25 ml curry powder
  • 10 ml salt
  • 25 ml peach chutney (or apricot)
  • 15 ml apricot jam (smooth)
  • 15 ml Worcestershire sauce
  • 5 ml turmeric
  • 25 ml malt vinegar
  • 1 handful raisins
  • 3 eggs
  • 375 ml milk
  • 1 slice bread (crust removed)
  • 1 pinch of salt
  • bay leaves

Method

1. Place bread into a bowl and cover with milk, leave to soak.

2. Heat oil and butter in large pan and fry onions. When onions are soft add curry powder, salt, chutney, Worcester sauce, jam, turmeric and vinegar. Stir well.

3. Drain bread of milk, put excess milk aside (as you will use this later)

4. Add bread, raisins and minced meat to pan. Cook over low heat until meat is browned. Remove from heat and add 1 well beaten egg. Mix well and spoon the mixture into a greased oven – proof dish.

5. Beat remaining 2 eggs into the reserve milk; add turmeric and salt and mix well.

6. Pour over meat mixture and place bay leaf on the top. Bake uncovered in 180C for approximately 1 hour or until set (nicely browned).

7. Serve with yellow rice, banana, coconut & chutney.

This recipe can be transformed into individual portions for your next dinner party. Simply scoop the mixture into a greased muffin/cupcake tin and bake accordingly.


Happy Cooking,

The Vuyani Safari Lodge Chef Team