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
Hungry For More? Subscribe to our Newsletter and follow along on Facebook, You Tube, Instagram, and Pinterest for all the latest updates.
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!
bitsandbreadcrumbs says
I've heard of Bobotie and had absolutely no idea what it was! But what is looks like is something that I'd enjoy very much, indeed. Thanks for sharing this recipe BAM. I feel comforted just looking at it! 🙂
Healthy World Cuisine says
Hello Betsy, I think we are all on the comfort food kick with this weather. I had seen recipes for this dish before, but there is nothing like a good friend showing you how to make it with an old family recipe. Have a super weekend. BAM
sybaritica says
Wow ...kinda like an eastern Shepherd's Pie 🙂
Healthy World Cuisine says
Hello John, It is like a shepherds pie but with some fantastic flavors and super moist. Wishing you a super weekend. BAM
Norma Chang says
Comfort food at its best. Could use this dish today, it is gray and cold with a sprinkling of sleeting rain.
Healthy World Cuisine says
Im sorry to hear that the ground hog is once again wrong and still having the winter sleet. If I could I would send you a plate. Sending some warm thoughts your way. BAM
ChopinandMysaucepan says
Dear BAM,
This bobotie sure looks like comfort food and the egg topping is an enticing twist too.
Healthy World Cuisine says
Hi There, I know when I was first reading my friend's recipe I was a little apprehensive about that egg topping but let me tell you this little dish is so tender and flavorful you will wish you tried it sooner. Take care, BAM
Joyce Barnes says
My recipe from when we lived in South Africa has grated apple in it, but no bananas or coconut. Also, we served Mrs Balls on the side not i the dish itself. Anyway it is a delicious dish and we used to eat it often. Thanks for the memories x
Healthy World Cuisine says
Hello Joyce, I am glad I could bring some memories back for you. It looks like every family has their little unique spin on this dish and that is what makes it fun trying some different ways to create the dish. The addition of apple sounds lovely. Are you able to find Mrs. Balls' chutney here in HK? Take care, BAM
thecompletecookbook says
I am super proudly South African right now! What a magnificent bobotie you made Bam! I didn't realise you were able to buy Mrs Balls in Hong Kong - awesome!
Have a beautiful weekend.
🙂 Mandy xo
Healthy World Cuisine says
Hello Mandy! The credit goes all to my dear friend Abbie, she is an awesome cook. I made it again this week at home and the boys went back for second and third helpings. We had no idea what we were missing out on. I guess you can occassionally get Mrs. Balls Chutney here in Hong Kong or I will have to put my request into Abbie for when she goes back to South Africa to bring me back some. We used Mrs. Ball's original in the Bobotie but I used the peach Mrs. Balls chutney as a dip and that was quite nice as well. Do you traditionally serve your Bobotie with coconut and bananas too? Have a super weekend, BAM
Choc Chip Uru says
What an awesome name for a lovely dish 😀
Cheers
CCU
Healthy World Cuisine says
Thanks CCU
albertocook says
Delicious!!
Suman Arthy says
wow awesome full meal, looks so inviting n tempting
Healthy World Cuisine says
A great little one pan dish especially on these cooler days. Take care, BAM
Meilita says
This is the first time I heard about this Bobotie , didn't have much exposure to South African cuisine 🙂 And this dish looks delicious and just perfect for cool weather 🙂 Thanks for sharing BAM, Cheers
Healthy World Cuisine says
Hello Rabbit. I know this is just fantastic. I love learning about new cuisines and now that the weather is still cool a perfect time to try this dish. Take care, BAM
Mich Piece of Cake says
This reminds me somewhat of a meat loaf.... it looks delicious and definitely comfort food.
Healthy World Cuisine says
A little bit like meatloaf but so much more flavorful and tender. My boys are not real meatloaf fans but they each went up for 3 helpings of this dish. Take Care, BAM
Annie says
I learn a lot just from reading your blog...very informative and enjoyable! Bobotie sounds nice and looks delicious, We certatinly have to try this one:) Thank you for sharing this recipe.
Healthy World Cuisine says
Thank you Annie for your kind comment. My dear little friend Abbie is an awesome little cook! Take Care, BAM
Carolyn Chan says
That sure looks comforting to me !
Healthy World Cuisine says
It is the kind of meal that you really can't stop at one helping. Thank goodness it make a whole 9 x 11 pan. Take Care, BAM
Dawn says
This looks delicious!! Exactly what I need right about now 🙂
Healthy World Cuisine says
Thank you Dawn. Abbie is an awesome little cook. It has been a long week and this weekend we needed some cozy comfort dishes to recooperate. Take Care, BAM
Anne ~ Uni Homemaker says
I don't think I have heard of this dish before but it looks delicious! Thanks for sharing your lovely recipe. YUM!
Healthy World Cuisine says
Hello Anne, I am so glad I met my dear friend Abbie who enlightened us all on this traditional South African Dish. We were so missing out... Take Care, BAM