Bobotie

Ingredients

• Ground beef (500g)
• Onions (2, finely chopped)
• Garlic (2 cloves, minced)
• Curry powder (2 tablespoons)
• Turmeric (1 teaspoon)
• Bread (2 slices, preferably white or whole wheat)
• Milk (1 cup, divided (for soaking bread and egg mixture))
• Eggs (2, beaten)
• Bay leaves (2)
• Salt (to taste)
• Pepper (to taste)

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F).
2. In a large pan over medium heat, sauté the chopped onions and minced garlic in a splash of oil until they are soft and translucent, about 5-7 minutes.
3. Add the ground beef to the pan and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon as it cooks.
4. Stir in the curry powder, turmeric, salt, and pepper, cooking for an additional 2-3 minutes until the spices are fragrant.
5. In a bowl, soak the bread slices in half of the milk until soft, then squeeze out the excess milk and tear the bread into pieces. Mix this into the beef mixture.
6. Beat one of the eggs and mix it into the beef mixture until well combined.
7. Transfer the beef mixture to a greased baking dish, smoothing the top with a spatula.
8. In a separate bowl, mix the remaining beaten egg with the other half of the milk, then pour this mixture over the beef topping.
9. Insert the bay leaves into the top of the beef mixture for added aroma.
10. Bake in the preheated oven for 30-40 minutes, or until the egg topping is set and lightly browned.
11. Allow to cool slightly before serving. Bobotie is traditionally served with yellow rice and a side of fruit chutney for a delicious contrast.