South African Culinary Heritage Collection
SA Recipes
Ref: SAR-0006
Printed 03 November 2026
Beef
Casseroles
Dinner
Indian
Kid-Friendly
Lunch
One-Pot
Traditional Bobotie
Recipe by
Christo Lochenberg
Published 13 November 2025
237
Total Views
4 (100%)
Community Likes
0
Dislikes
Download PDF
Only for registered users
Ingredients
Tip: Click any item to cross it off while you prep.
- 500g lean beef mince
- 2 slices white bread, crusts removed
- 125ml milk
- 2 large onions, finely chopped
- 15ml (1 tbsp) oil
- 15ml (1 tbsp) curry powder (mild or medium)
- 5ml (1 tsp) turmeric
- 2.5ml (1/2 tsp) allspice
- 15ml (1 tbsp) apricot jam
- 15ml (1 tbsp) vinegar (white or brown)
- 30ml (2 tbsp) Mrs Balls Chutney (original)
- 60ml (1/4 cup) raisins (optional)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- For the Topping:
- 2 large eggs
- 125ml milk
- 3-4 bay leaves
About This Recipe
A classic Cape Malay dish, Bobotie is a fragrant curried mince bake topped with a creamy egg custard. It's a comforting blend of sweet and savory, often served with yellow rice and chutney.
Preparation Instructions
- Preheat oven to 180°C.
- Soak the bread in 125ml milk for a few minutes, then squeeze out excess milk and crumble the bread. Reserve the milk.
- Heat oil in a large pan over medium heat. Sauté onions until soft and translucent (about 5-7 minutes).
- Add mince and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned. Drain any excess fat.
- Stir in curry powder, turmeric, and allspice. Cook for 1 minute, stirring continuously until fragrant.
- Remove from heat. Add the crumbled bread, apricot jam, vinegar, chutney, and raisins (if using). Mix well. Season with salt and pepper.
- Press the mince mixture firmly into an ovenproof dish (approx. 20x20cm).
- For the topping, whisk the eggs with the reserved bread milk and the additional 125ml milk. Season lightly with salt and pepper.
- Pour the egg mixture evenly over the mince. Arrange bay leaves on top.
- Bake for 30-40 minutes, or until the custard topping is set and golden brown.
- Serve hot with yellow rice, a side salad, and extra chutney.
Community Feedback
Did You Enjoy This Recipe?
Help other South African home cooks discover tried-and-tested favourites by leaving your rating.
Back to All Public Recipes
Download Recipe PDF
Only for registered users
© 2026 SA Recipes · Recipe by Christo Lochenberg
Source: https://sarecipes.co.za/browse/recipe/traditional-bobotie · Developed by Christo Lochenberg
