South Africa

First day of the World Cup, and we decided to start with the hosts. I had heard of bobotie before but had never tasted it, we weren't disappointed! This is a dish that will certainly be added to our regulars.. its really easy to make, and tastes terrific. I wasn't sure about sultanas with beef but it works quite well.




Bobotie
(serves 2)

Ingredients

Slice of white bread, crusts removed
1/2 large onion chopped
large knob of butter
1 garlic clove, crushed
300g minced beef
1 tbsp madras curry paste
1 tsp dried mixed herbs
2 cloves
3 all spice berries
1 tbsp Mango chutney (we used mango, apricot and coriander chutney from tescos)
2 tbsp sultanas
6 bay leaves

topping:
200ml whole milk
1 egg

Preheat oven to gas mark 5
Soak bread in cold water (just enough to cover) and set aside.
Fry the chopped onion in the butter until soft and starting to colour. Add the mince and the garlic and cook for another 5 minutes until mince is brown. Add curry paste, chutney, spices, herbs, sultanas and two bay leaves, and salt and black pepper.
Cook for about 10 mins and squeeze the excess water from the bread and mix the bread into the mince until well blended. Fill a small oven proof dish with the mixture, pressing it down well.
For the topping mix the milk and egg, season with some salt and pepper, and top the meat mixture. Place the remaining bay leaves on top. Bake in the oven for about 30 mins until golden.