Do you know what is Bobotie? - Le Pommier (2024)

This blog is for all those interested in the South African traditional dish Bobotie. The recipe and cooking techniques are discussed, along with tips and tricks on making it perfect and delicious every time.

The origin of the word Bobotie is contentious. The Afrikaans etymological dictionary claims the probable origin isthe Malayan word boemboe, which means curry spices. Others think it originated fromBobotok, an Indonesian dish containing different ingredients. The first recipe for Bobotie appeared in a Dutch cookbook in 1609. Afterwards, it was taken to South Africa and adopted by theCape Malaycommunity.

To explain it to many foreign visitors:South African original Bobotie is very similar to meatloaf, only better. Slightly sweet curry flavours ground beef with fruits like sultanas; the sweetness of sultanas contrasts with the dish’s spiciness. This dish is covered with milk and egg custard topping. It’s delicious!

Bobotie is often considered one of South Africa’s national dishes.

AtLe Pommier Restaurant, Bobotie is one of our specialities, and it is a favourite dish of many of our diners, South Africans and international visitors alike!

Bobotie is easy to prepare in advance and is always a crowd-pleaser, so here is the Le Pommier recipe for traditional South African Bobotie.

Do you know what is Bobotie? - Le Pommier (1)

LE POMMIER’S BOBOTIE RECIPE

This recipe serves 4.

INGREDIENTS

2 onions finely chopped

1 tablespoon of oil for frying

500g Lean Beef Mince

1 teaspoon Tomato Paste

1 teaspoon Turmeric powder

1 tablespoon Mild Curry Powder

1 teaspoon Mixed Spice

1 teaspoon Cinnamon

1 teaspoon Ground Ginger

1 whole Star Anise

1 teaspoon salt and milled black pepper

4 Bay Leaves

2 tablespoons Apricot Jam

2 tablespoons Mrs Balls Chutney (Mild)

2 tablespoons Raisins

1 Green Apple peeled, cored and grated

2 slices of white bread softened with 50 ml of milk – squeeze the excess milk out

250ml Milk

2 large eggs

INSTRUCTIONS

Fry the onions in oil. Add curry powder, turmeric and spice mix, salt and pepper and fry for another minute.

Add in the mince and fry until browned but not dry.

Add all the ingredients except bay leaves, eggs and milk into the mince and mix.

Pour into an oven-proof baking dish.

Mix the remaining milk and whisked eggs to make a custard mix and pour on the mince mixture.

Press bay leaves on top of the custard mix.

Bake at 180 C for 45 minutes or until the topping is golden and set.

Serve with yellow rice and raisins.

This recipe is complemented by Le Pommier Rosé a perfect match!

Popular Bobotie Variations

The Argentinean Boer settlers prepare a popular variant in which the bobotie meat mixture is stuffed inside a giant pumpkin and then baked till tender.

Exchange the meat with lentils for a lovely vegetarian version.

Do you know what is Bobotie? - Le Pommier (2)

South African Bobotie is a great make-ahead meal for Meal Prep Sunday. The longer the flavours have to mingle, the more delicious it is. You will want to refrigerate your leftovers for up to 3 days and thencan freeze up to 2 months in a freezer-safe containerand then just heat in the microwave and eat.

Do you know what is Bobotie? - Le Pommier (2024)

FAQs

Do you know what is Bobotie? - Le Pommier? ›

To explain it to many foreign visitors: South African original Bobotie is very similar to meatloaf, only better. Slightly sweet curry flavours ground beef with fruits like sultanas; the sweetness of sultanas contrasts with the dish's spiciness. This dish is covered with milk and egg custard topping. It's delicious!

What is bobotie made of? ›

Bobotie is a South African dish similar to meatloaf but so much better. Ground beef is seasoned with slightly sweet curry, topped with a milk and egg custard, and baked until golden brown. It's delicious!

Why is bobotie so important to South Africa? ›

In South Africa, bobotie was adopted and adapted by the Cape Malay community – many of whom were slaves and labourers with roots in modern-day Indonesia – with the addition of curry powder, as well as the spices typically being transported by the Dutch East India Company from Indonesia to the Netherlands.

Which people eat bobotie? ›

Bobotie belongs to the Cape Malay community, who live primarily in and around Cape Town. These are Javanese people whose ancestors were enslaved by the Dutch and forcibly brought to the Western Cape as part of the Dutch East India Company's colonization of the cape.

What is a fun fact about bobotie? ›

Bobotie is a baked mincemeat dish and one of the more recognizable foods to come out of South Africa. It's commonly believed that Bobotie was first derived from the Javanese dish Botok, as Dutch colonists brought the dish to South Africa from their settlements in Indonesia (née Dutch East Indies) in the 17th century.

What do you drink with bobotie? ›

Shiraz generally works well with spicy or ethnic foods (in addition to bobotie, it would work well with Jamaican jerk chicken or Lebanese merguez sausages) and also is a good match for everyday food like cottage pie.

What is South Africa's favorite food? ›

Bobotie is a South African dish that has Cape Malay origins. It consists of spiced minced meat baked with an egg-based topping. Of the many dishes common to South Africa, bobotie is perhaps closest to being the national dish, because it is not commonly found in any other country.

What is Africa favorite dish? ›

Jollof Rice is a beloved West African dish known for its rich, spicy tomato flavor. It's a one-pot rice dish cooked with a variety of ingredients like vegetables, spices, and often meat or fish. Jollof Rice is not just a meal; it's a symbol of cultural identity and unity among West Africans.

What language is bobotie? ›

The origin of the word bobotie is contentious. The Afrikaans etymological dictionary claims that the probable origin is the Malayan word boemboe, meaning curry spices. Others think it to have originated from bobotok, an Indonesian dish which consisted of totally different ingredients.

What is Africa's famous food? ›

From the humble maize/grain porridges and root vegetables that form the basis of so many diets, to grand feasting dishes such as breyanis, tagines, stews and aromatic curries, Africa's favorite foods offer something for every palate.

What African food is eaten with hands? ›

Fufu is traditionally eaten with the fingers, and a small ball of it can be dipped into an accompanying soup or sauce.

Why is bobotie important? ›

Bobotie is a traditional South African dish that consists of a curry flavoured minced meat, topped off with an egg and milk based layer. Although its origins are not completely clear, we do know that it is a dish that beautifully demonstrates the fusion of cultures in South Africa with a colourful and fragrant result.

What is South African cuisine called? ›

One of the most significant influences is that of the Dutch that settled in South Africa in the 1600's. They were soon joined by French Huguenots as well as a number of Germans. This combination led to what is today known as the Afrikaans style of cooking.

Which country invented bobotie? ›

South Africa

What is South Africa's Favourite dish? ›

Bobotie. Another dish thought to have been brought to South Africa by Asian settlers, bobotie is now the national dish of the country and cooked in many homes and restaurants. Minced meat is simmered with spices, usually curry powder, herbs and dried fruit, then topped with a mixture of egg and milk and baked until set ...

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