South African Bobotie Recipe

South African Bobotie recipe is a delightful dish that captures the essence of South African culinary traditions. This savory creation boasts a rich history and an array of flavors that make it a cherished part of South African culture. Imagine a dish where minced meat mingles with an assortment of spices to create a flavorful base. What sets it apart is the golden-brown topping, a creamy mixture of eggs and milk that adds a touch of sweetness to balance the savory goodness below.Bobotie's origins can be traced back to the Dutch East India Company's influence on South Africa, infusing Indonesian and Dutch elements into the local cuisine. Over time, it has evolved into a South African classic, celebrated for its unique blend of influences. Ingredients Main Dish 1½ pound (or 700 grams) beef mince 1 large onion finely diced 2 cloves garlic minced ⅔ cup (or 100 grams) raisins 3 tablespoons apricot jam 2 slices white bread remove crusts ½ cup (or 125 ml) full cream milk 2 tablespoons flaked almonds 2 tablespoons cooking oil Spices 1 tablespoon turmeric 1 teaspoon ground cumin ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper 2 teaspoons curry powder mild 1 teaspoon dried herbs oregano and basil mix pepper to taste salt to taste Egg custard 3 eggs ½ teaspoon turmeric ½ teaspoon ground cumin salt to taste Prep Time: 10 Minutes (4 Servings) Cooking Time: 50 Minutes Instructions 1. Have a 365F/185C oven ready to go. 2. Put this in two bowls. Milk should be used to soak crustless bread. Soak the raisins for a while. Don't touch those dishes for now. 3. To make translucent onions, heat oil in a big pan or skillet over medium heat and sauté the onions for 5 minutes. While tossing often to break down into small grains, add all the spices, minced garlic, and ground beef. To get a nice brown color, cook for around 10 minutes. Add the apricot preserves and stir to combine. 4. Meanwhile, using your hands, squeeze the milk out of the bread, setting the milk aside to use as a topping for the eggs. Take the raisins out of their water. 5. Toss the bread cubes, almond flakes, and raisins into the bowl and mix thoroughly. Add another 5 minutes of cooking time at a medium heat. 6. Put the ingredients in an oven-safe dish. Press the beef mixture down with the back of a spoon and smooth the top. The egg topping must remain on top of the meat and not sink into it. 7. Combine the soaked bread's milk with the eggs, turmeric, cumin, salt, and a mixing bowl. 8. The meat should be covered with the egg mixture, and the bay leaves should be placed on top. Bake for 20 minutes, or until the center is set, if using an egg custard.