Bo-Kaap Bobotie Bars Recipe
Background
Bobotie is a traditional South African dish with roots in Malaysian cooking, brought to the country by the Cape Malay community. Originating from the Bo-Kaap, a neighborhood in Cape Town known for its vibrant culture and history, Bobotie offers a unique combination of flavors that tell a story of cultural blending and culinary innovation.
Traditionally a spiced meat dish topped with a custard-like layer, Bobotie is often enjoyed as a main course. Our modern twist transforms it into convenient Bo-Kaap Bobotie Bars, making it easy to enjoy on the go. These bars retain the sweet, savory, and aromatic flavors of the beloved dish while offering a delightful way to experience a piece of South African heritage.
Ingredients
- Minced beef - 500g
- Onion - 1 medium, finely chopped
- Garlic - 3 cloves, minced
- Curry powder - 2 tablespoons
- Turmeric - 1 teaspoon
- Ginger, ground - 1 teaspoon
- Bread slices - 2, crusts removed
- Milk - 1/2 cup
- Sultanas - 1/2 cup
- Almonds, slivered - 1/4 cup
- Lemon zest - from 1 lemon
- Apricot jam - 2 tablespoons
- Bay leaves - 2
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Eggs - 2, lightly beaten
- Additional milk - 1/2 cup
Preparation
Step 1: Prepare the Bread
Soak the bread slices in milk until they soften. Once softened, squeeze out excess milk and crumble the bread. Reserve the milk.
Step 2: Cook the Meat
In a skillet, heat a tablespoon of oil over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic, sautéing until they are soft and translucent. Mix in the curry powder, turmeric, and ginger, cooking for an additional minute to release the spices' aroma. Add the minced beef to the pan, cooking until browned evenly. Season with salt and pepper as needed.
Step 3: Add Mix-Ins
Combine the soaked bread with the meat mixture, introducing the sultanas, almonds, and lemon zest. Stir in the reserved milk, the apricot jam, and continue mixing until all ingredients are well integrated.
Step 4: Prepare the Custard Topping
In a small bowl, whisk the eggs together with the additional milk and a pinch of salt. This mixture will serve as the topping for the bars.
Step 5: Assemble the Dish
Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Spread the bobotie filling evenly in a lightly greased baking dish. Pour the egg and milk topping over the meat layer. Carefully arrange bay leaves on top to infuse a subtle aroma during baking.
Cooking
Bake the bobotie in the preheated oven for approximately 30-40 minutes, or until the custard topping is golden brown and set. You can set a cooking timer to ensure accurate baking time.
Serving Suggestions
Once cooled, slice the bobotie into bars and serve warm. Enjoy these flavorful Bo-Kaap Bobotie Bars as an appetizer or main course alongside a side salad or freshly baked bread. Consider accompanying them with a dollop of more apricot jam for an extra touch of sweetness.
These bars can be stored in the fridge for up to three days or frozen for future convenience, making them a versatile addition to any meal plan. Reheat in a warm oven or enjoy cold as a snack on the go.
Enjoy!
Celebrate the rich history and exquisite flavors of the Cape Malay culinary tradition with these Bo-Kaap Bobotie Bars. Whether enjoyed at home or packed for a picnic, these bars offer a tasty journey through South Africa's cultural landscape.