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!
tastytreats13 says
This looks so tasty and decorative! Good job! I will have to try this.
Healthy World Cuisine says
I think you will really love the spices in this dish, true comfort food. Thanks for stopping by. BAM
Jo (http://blog-diggidy.com) says
MMMM....definitely comfort foo! It looks yummy, especially with the other goodies on the plate, very colorful. A very creative twist on 'meatloaf'... Might have to give this one a go, wonder what my hubby will say?!?!? 😉
Healthy World Cuisine says
Hello Jo, you know how are husbands are with anything new...! LOL You have to break them in gently but once he tries it I am sure he will love it. 100 more times moister than meatloaf and much more flavor.
Bernice says
This looks wonderful - I love the ingredients you brought together. I never added fruit chutney but that would add a nice sweetness. I believe my husband would love this! Thanks for sharing. 🙂
petit4chocolatier says
Bam, you have the most amazing and unique recipes!! I love this. What a great hearty and comforting dish. I have never cooked with fruit chutney. Sounds so good! Looks delicious Bam!!
theglobalgarnishgeek says
Thanks for reminding me about this dish. I had this when living in the UK at a friend's house (from S Africa). Great comfort food!
Healthy World Cuisine says
I am glad I could bring back some warm and comforting memories for you. Take Care, BAM
Nami | Just One Cookbook says
What a comforting dish! I've never tried Bobotie and not familiar with South African dishes, but it looks very appetizing and sounds perfect for this cold night today.
Healthy World Cuisine says
Thanks Nami-san, I don't think you would have these new spices in your Japanese kitchen stock but one day give it a try as it is a good make ahead dish when you are really busy with the kids activities. Take care, BAM
Karen says
We used to live in Key Largo, Florida and would occasionally drive down to Key West for a weekend. There was a restaurant we enjoyed where Bobotie was one of their special dishes...I remember it's delicious taste.
Healthy World Cuisine says
The Florida keys are beautiful. I visited the coast and all the keys and Sanabel island on my honey moon. If my travels ever take me back I will be looking for that restaurant. Perfect dish to warm you after a bit of scuba diving.
Sawsan@ Chef in disguise says
With all those flavors it is no wonder that you fell in love with this dish after the first bite
I will need to find some fruit chutney to try this soon. It looks like something I don't want to miss
Healthy World Cuisine says
Hello Sawson, this little dish really has a melting pot of flavors. Really unique and yet something you just can't seem to get enough of. Take care, BAM
Liz says
What a warm, comforting dish...exactly what we need with our wintery forecast! I won't be shoveling show of the roof this time, but maybe off the driveway! I think my body was programmed for a Hong Kong type climate!
Healthy World Cuisine says
Hello Liz, I honestly dont know how I lasted through all of those brutal Michigan winters. Now I am chilled to the bone when the temperature goes below 20 degrees celsius in HK. My blood is getting thin, living here in Asia and this little bobotie is perfect for warming your body from the inside out. Take care, BAM
bentodays says
This looks so good, thanks for sharing! Always look forward to your posts.
Healthy World Cuisine says
Thank you and my teenage boy has been learning over my shoulder and asks why dont you make me bento boxes anymore like you used to in Japan. Bento Boxes are lots of work and very tedious to make. Wish you lived a bit closer so I could put in an order for lunches. Take care, BAM
chef mimi says
Beautiful. I've always wanted to have this... but actually in south africa. so many delightful flavors in that cuisine!!!
Healthy World Cuisine says
South African cuisine is so interesting. I wish I was introduced to it sooner. Each area of this region has different influences and it really is a melting pot of delicious flavors.
Gourmantine says
Have to confess never heard of bobotie before, but it's nice to discover new things each time!, This is indeed comfort food at it's best 🙂
Healthy World Cuisine says
I am so glad that Abbie introduced this recipe to me so that I could share it with you. I think so many cuisines have a type of meat pie but it is the spices in this one that have you wanting a second helping. Take Care, BAM
rsmacaalay says
Nice bobotie recipe, I made some of those before but not with those side dishes, I think I must try it with those specially when its suggested by a South African
Healthy World Cuisine says
Hello Ray, my friend Abbie had mentioned if you go out to a restaurant they usually do not serve with bananas and all of the side dishes but this is their homestyle version of this meal, the way her mom used to make it. Take care, BAM
Shirley Tay says
Gosh, this looks so juicy! Bet it's gone in no time 🙂
Healthy World Cuisine says
Thanks Shirley. When I made my friends recipe at home, both of my teenage boys had three helping. Inhaled.
Kristi @ My San Francisco Kitchen says
MMM this looks like a wonderful "comfort food". I love curried dishes like this one!
Healthy World Cuisine says
Indeed a comfort dish. You know it never gets really cold in Hong Kong but it is damp and with the spices and hot out of the oven it makes you feel so much better. take care, BAM