South African Bobotie is a delightful dish filled with tender ground beef, spices and aromatics with an egg topping and served with a side cozy side of yellow rice and sultans (raisins). 
South African Bobotie: The Perfect comfort Food
One delicious bite of comfort food that you are just going to love because it is filling, warming, a little spicy, a little sweet and maybe nothing like you have ever tried before. South African Bobotie would be a delicious serve to your trick -or -treaters as it is warming, easy to make in advance and kids love it's tender texture.
I first published this recipe for South African Bobotie on March 1st, 2013 and have just updated it to make it dairy and gluten-free.
What is Bobotie?
A couple of years ago, I enjoyed my first delicious mouthful of a South African Bobotie and I am in forever in love with the flavors, spices, and creamy texture of this dish. Bobotie is a dish from South Africa, made of spiced meat and an egg topping.
What Sides are served with South African Bobotie?
Traditionally, bobotie would be served with sliced bananas, yellow rice with sultans (raisins) and of course Chutney.
South African cuisine is amazing as it has influences from all over the world and their dishes are a melting pot of spices and flavors. Traditionally, Bobotie is made with beef but also can be made with pork, mutton or lamb and then has curry, chutney, soaked bread to make it moist, sultans (raisins) and other seasonings that make you go back for seconds or maybe even thirds. (Wink...Wink)
What you crave when it is cold outside
I know that the combination of ingredients might not sound like what you are used to but you have to trust me on this. It works! Perfectly balanced in flavor, a little sweet, a little spice a little savory and the creamy and moist texture, especially on these cooler days makes this dish a winner. It is what your body craves. I think this little dish is some true comfort food!
Can you Freeze Bobotie?
Absolutely! This is one meal that makes a lot so eat one day and freeze for a day that is crazy busy and you want dinner in a flash. South African Bobotie is a great make ahead meal for Meal Prep Sunday. Actually, the longer the flavors have to mingle the more delicious it is. You will want to refrigerate your left overs up to 3 days and then can freeze up to 2 months in a freezer safe container and then just heat and eat in the microwave.
If we are going to freeze bobotie, we usually like to pre-slice it so we can take out as many servings as you need.
Gluten-free Alternatives for Bobotie
If you want to make this South African Bobotie recipe gluten free, use gluten free ketchup. If you are celiac, you are also going to want to make your own homemade fruit chutney or try another certified gluten-free chutney. I made Joy of Kosher Dried Apricot, Date and Ginger Chutney and swapped out coconut sugar for the granulated sugar and it was just beautiful. I even used just a little less sugar as you know how I do not like my things too sweet.
Even though Mrs. Balls Chutney does not specifically list any gluten in its ingredients list, it is not made in a gluten free factory. Mrs. Balls Original Chutney is a famous chutney used is South Africa and it is also available in Australia, Canada, Germany, UK and US.
Family Recipe
A dear friend of mine, Abbie Wilson, spent several years living in South Africa and this is her families' Bobotie recipe. Abbie's recipe is traditional but she does not include sultans (raisins) in her Bobotie dish. Abbie's family tradition is instead to serve the bobotie with yellow rice with sultans and spices on the side, desiccated coconut, chutney, roasted butternut squash and peas. Abbie garnished her Bobotie with some toasted coconut and bananas. You have no idea what you have been missing out on.
As you know, I love when dishes bring in elements from many cultures and blend it into one dish. Abbie mentioned as with any great little curry, sauce and such that the Bobotie is even better on the second day as the flavors have a chance to mingle. This concept is why this dish is just perfect for entertaining as you can make it the day before and pop it back in the oven and sit down with your guests and enjoy your gathering. A very special thank you to Abbie for sharing her delicious South African Bobotie recipe.
More Delicious Comfort Food Recipes
Roasted Chestnut Pumpkin Risotto
Tuscan Slow Braised Beef in Wine Sauce
Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Curry
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South African Bobotie
(Abbie Wilson)
Ingredients
- 1.5 pounds ground beef (minced)
- 2 slices bread
white gluten-free, soaked in boiling water - 2 onions
medium, peeled and chopped - 1 tablespoon ketchup
(low glycemic) (gluten-free) - 5 tablespoon fruit chutney
(used Mrs. Balls original but if celiac you will need to use a gluten-free certified brand or make your own) - 4 teaspoon turmeric
dried ground - 2 tablespoon curry powder
dried ground - ½ teaspoon salt
- 2 whole bay leaf
- 1 egg
beaten - 1 cup almond milk
(can use regular milk if no dairy issues) - 1 tablespoon oil
- yellow rice with sultans and spices
optional - bananas for garnish (optional)
- desiccated coconut for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 160 degrees C (Heat the oil and soften the onion on a very low flame for about 10 minutes.
- Add tumeric and curry and allow the flavors to mingle for about 2 minutes.
- Add chutney and gluten-free ketchup and cook for another minute.
- Strain water from gluten-free bread and add to pan, continue stirring.
- Add meat and stir lightly with a two pronged fork until evenly cooked. (Using the 2 fork pull apart method, makes the meat super tender)
- Add salt and bay leaves. Cook for a few minutes to allow the essence of the bay leaves to permeate the meat. Remove the bay leaves and discard.
- Place bobotie meat mixture into and greased ovenproof dish (9 in x 11 in)
- Make the Egg topping: a) Beat egg and milk together. b) Pour egg and milk mixture over the meat mixture and bake for about 45 minutes to 55 minutes or until the egg mixture is brown on top.
- Serve delicious cozy South African Bobotie with yellow rice, oven roasted butternut squash and peas on the side. Garnish Bobotie with desiccated coconut and bananas. Enjoy!
Mimi Rippee says
I made this dish as well. Mine looks really different, but oh was it good! We’ve finally been to South Africa and what a beautiful country. Of course, we only saw a small part of it, but the food and wine were exquisite.
HWC Magazine says
That's fabulous Mimi. South African food is amazing such a delicious blend of spices and diverse range of cultures. So many delicious dishes to explore and so little time.
Abbe Odenwalder says
I've been wanting to make this for a long time. My husband spent quite a long time in South Africa and I totally loved it, too. But believe it or not, I never ate this dish! It is time!
HWC Magazine says
So happy to hear Abbe! This recipe for South African Bobotie is super easy. It's from our dear friend who's name is also "Abbie", who lives in South Africa. Give this recipe a go and let us know if you have any questions.
Eha Carr says
*huge grin* Bobbi, looking back over the years this seems to be the fourth time I am telling to whoever may read that bobotje surely is one of the most fun, tastiest and easiest dishes to have as a family meal or for a crowd when again we can have one ! I tried it first after reading a Time-Life recipe in the 60s methinks . . . loved it and the rest is history ! It is fusion but both people who like spice and those who do not tolerate such seem to find it moreish . . . meanwhile best to you . . .
HWC Magazine says
Thank you dear Eha!South African Bobotie is really a crowd pleaser that is for sure. Spices are perfectly balanced and even better the second day after the flavors have had a chance to mingle. Stay well and take care
Kathleen Richardson says
Ah, I love seeing the South African Bobotie coming around again. It was so delicious when I made it the first time, and the second. Time to make it again, BAM! And I'll share it on my BAM's Kitchen board on Pinterest.
Healthy World Cuisine says
Hi there Kathleen, our South African Bobotie recipe was longing for an update, so glad you like that recipe. I am so blessed and honored to see a Healthy World Cuisine board on your pinterest page. Thanks so much for your support.
Mary Frances says
I've never heard of this dish but it does look comfy indeed. The flavor combination sounds so interesting!
Kristy says
I've never seen anything like this! I think we might need to explore some South African cuisine!
Healthy World Cuisine says
I love learning about new cuisines and at first you might be a bit puzzled by the combination of ground meat topped with coconut and a side of bananas. However, you have to take my word for it, it is delicious and has a lovely slightly sweet, savory and spicy mix.
Helen @ Scrummy Lane says
This is such an interesting post, Bam. I have heard of bobotie but really had no idea what it was. There are so many lovely flavours in it, and the egg on top thing is interesting. The most surprising element of this is the banana! Would love to try it!
Healthy World Cuisine says
Thank you Helen. I am so glad I could share with you a little bit of South Africa. The egg topping is a nice touch and it gets a little golden brown whilst it cooks. I know who would have thought that bananas and coconut would be the perfect garnish to this dish and that is customary to serve along with it but not required.
Dini @ The Flavor Bender says
I am so very intrigued!! This sounds so interesting and I really want to give it a go! I always love trying new things, especially when it looks and sounds so good! I've never had a savoury dish with banana as an accompaniment either!
Healthy World Cuisine says
I love trying new things too and I can't wait to try some of your cool drink ideas for a gathering. You always have the most unique ideas. South African Bobotie is one of their national dishes. Our family loves this recipe.
gourmetgetaway says
WOW!
Such an interesting dish, so many delicious favours, and any dish served with a coconut banana accompaniment has to be a winner!
Thanks for sharing
Julie
Gourmet Getaways
Lea Ann says
International comfort food. Must make soon.
Jasline @ Foodie Baker says
The name bobotie intrigues me, and it looks so interesting! Thank you for bringing us to South Africa and back!
NancyC says
Yum! This sounds really good–haven't had anything like this!
Healthy World Cuisine says
Thanks Nancy! I remember the first time I tried this dish, I could not seem to get enough of it, I feel the same way now.
Karen says
I had bobotie years ago at a restaurant in Key West, Florida. It was a comforting dish…thanks for reminding that I should try it again.
Kelly - A Side of Sweet says
Nice! We're going to South Africa in February so this is a great intro!
hotlyspiced says
I'm not very familiar with South African cuisine so thanks for introducing me to one of their dishes. I did spend a few weeks in SA but we ate mostly curries and bries. This looks like a great family dish with lots of yummy flavours xx
Eha says
Charlie - if you ate South African food for a fortnight, you are 99% certain to have had bobotie 🙂 ! It is the national dish of the country and the main meat curry [of the Cape Malay type]. Make it and it will bring back a memory. And methinks with the Dutch, Indian, Chinese, Malaysian and Indonesian influences in additional to 'home cooking' their braais tend to be more exciting than our barbecues that were [times thankfully have changed 🙂 !]