Delicious Bobotie Recipe for Christmas Dinner
Bobotie is a warm and comforting dish that’s perfect for the holiday season. This South
classic brings a unique blend of spices, chutney, and tender minced beef, all topped with a creamy, golden egg mixture that creates a rich and savory experience with every bite. It’s the kind of meal that feels both festive and hearty, making it an excellent choice for Christmas dinner.
Ingredients for Bobotie
For the Bobotie mixture:
- 2 slices white bread
- 2 onions, chopped
- 25g butter
- 2 garlic cloves, crushed
- 1kg lean minced beef
- 2 tbsp Madras curry paste
- 1 tsp dried mixed herbs
- 3 cloves
- 5 allspice berries
- 2 tbsp peach or mango chutney
- 3 tbsp sultanas
- 6 bay leaves
For the topping:
- 300ml full-cream milk
- 2 large eggs
Method
Step 1: Prepare the Bread
Start by preheating the oven to 180°C (fan 160°C/gas 4). Pour cold water over the bread slices and let them soak while you prepare the other ingredients.
Step 2: Cook the Beef Mixture
In a large pan, heat the butter and fry the onions for about 10 minutes until softened and golden. Add the garlic and minced beef, breaking the meat into fine grains as it cooks. Stir in the curry paste, mixed herbs, cloves, allspice, chutney, sultanas, and bay leaves. Season with salt and pepper. Let it simmer for 10 minutes, allowing all the flavors to blend together.
Step 3: Combine the Bread and Beef Mixture
Once the bread is soaked, squeeze out any excess water and tear it into pieces. Mix the bread with the beef mixture until well incorporated. Transfer everything into a 23 x 33 cm ovenproof dish, pressing down to ensure the top is smooth. This step can be done a day ahead if needed—just cover and chill in the fridge.
Step 4: Prepare the Topping
Whisk together the milk and eggs with a little salt and pepper. Pour this mixture over the meat and bread filling. Top with the remaining bay leaves and bake for 35-40 minutes until the topping is set and golden brown.
Why Bobotie is Perfect for Christmas
This Bobotie recipe is a wonderful way to add a bit of South African flavor to your Christmas meal. The aromatic spices and sweet chutney create a depth of flavor that’s comforting and satisfying, while the creamy topping brings everything together. Perfect for a festive feast, this dish will surely impress your guests with its unique flavor and richness.