Method

Prepare the Bread

Soak the Bread:

Place the slices of white bread in a bowl and pour cold water over them. Set aside to soak.

Cook the Filling

Fry the Onions and Beef:

Preheat your oven to 180°C/fan 160°C/gas 4.

In a large pan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and cook, stirring regularly, for about 10 minutes until they are soft and beginning to brown.

Add the crushed garlic and minced beef to the pan. Stir well, breaking up the beef into fine grains until it changes colour.

Add Spices and Flavourings:

Stir in the Madras curry paste, dried mixed herbs, cloves, allspice berries, chutney, sultanas, and 2 of the bay leaves.

Season with 1 tsp salt and plenty of ground black pepper.

Cover and let the mixture simmer gently for 10 minutes.

Incorporate the Bread:

Squeeze the excess water from the soaked bread, then break it up and mix it into the meat mixture until well blended.

Transfer to Baking Dish:

Spoon the meat mixture into an oval ovenproof dish (about 23 x 33 cm and 5-6 cm deep).

Press the mixture down firmly and smooth the top. At this point, you can chill it for up to 1 day if making ahead.

Prepare the Topping

Make the Egg Custard:

In a bowl, beat together the full-cream milk and eggs with a little salt and pepper.

Add the Topping:

Pour the egg mixture evenly over the meat mixture in the dish. Top with the remaining bay leaves.

Bake and Serve

Bake:

Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the topping is set and starting to turn golden.

Serve:

Serve the Bobotie hot, ideally with rice and chutney on the side. Enjoy!

South Africa

Ingredients

Method

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