Namibian Bobotie

Name: Namibian Bobotie
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 55 min
Yield: 6 servings
Cuisine: Namibian
Ingredients: 750g minced beef; 2 slices white bread, soaked in milk; 2 onions, diced; 2 eggs; 1/2 cup milk; 2 tbsp curry powder; 1 tsp turmeric; 1/4 cup raisins; 2 tbsp flaked almonds; 2 tbsp chutney; 1 tbsp apricot jam; 4 bay leaves; Salt and pepper to taste; 2 tbsp vegetable oil

Bobotie (buh-BOO-tee)

Spiced Meat Custard Bake

⏱ Prep Time 1 hour

📈 Difficulty Medium

👥 Servings

🔥 Calories 442 kcal

A fragrant casserole of curried minced beef topped with a golden egg custard and studded with raisins and almonds — a Cape Malay classic adopted by Namibian families.

Nutrition & Info

Protein 28.0g

Carbs 24.0g

Fat 26.0g

Protein Carbs Fat

Allergen Warnings

⚠ eggs ⚠ dairy ⚠ tree nuts

Equipment Needed

baking dish frying pan mixing bowl oven

Presentation Guide

Vessel: baking dish

Garnishes: bay leaves, turmeric rice

Accompaniments: yellow rice, sambals, chutney

Ingredients

750g minced beef
2 slices white bread, soaked in milk
2 onions, diced
2 eggs
1/2 cup milk
2 tbsp curry powder
1 tsp turmeric
1/4 cup raisins
2 tbsp flaked almonds
2 tbsp chutney
1 tbsp apricot jam
4 bay leaves
Salt and pepper to taste
2 tbsp vegetable oil

Instructions

1
Sauté onions until golden. Add curry powder and turmeric, fry 1 minute.
2
Add mince and brown well. Squeeze bread and add to meat with raisins, chutney, jam, and almonds. Season and mix.
3
Press mixture into a greased baking dish. Tuck in bay leaves.
4
Beat eggs with milk, pour over the meat mixture.
5
Bake at 180°C for 30-35 minutes until custard is set and golden.
6
Let rest for 10 minutes before serving.

💡

Did You Know?

Bobotie is sometimes called the national dish of Cape Malay cuisine, and every Namibian family that makes it swears their version is the definitive one.

Chef's Notes

Equipment Tips

baking dish
frying pan
mixing bowl
oven

Garnishing

bay leaves, turmeric rice

Accompaniments

yellow rice, sambals, chutney

The Story Behind Namibian Bobotie

Bobotie arrived in southern Africa with Cape Malay cooks who blended Indonesian spices with local ingredients. It traveled to Namibia through shared colonial history and became a beloved comfort dish, particularly among the country's Afrikaans-speaking communities.

🕐 Traditionally enjoyed sunday lunch, family dinners 📜 Origins: Cape Malay, 17th century adaptation

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