I Hope that this recipe will bring you back in touch with South Africa. There are many different variations of bobotie which make a huge difference in flavours, this recipe is spicy, fruity and goes a long way. I was given this recipe by “Mev Elsie Botha”, a charwoman that came in 3 times a week and had me in stitches of laughter every time as I was not accustomed to their funny habits. Sitting with my head in my hands, not knowing what to make she said “jitte Mevrou, hoeveel mense kom? needless to say she answered “ Ag nee Mevrou, nie te worries nie, ek het net die resep”, so there and then it was sorted, I got the ingredients and she showed me step by step. and I must say it is one of the best boboties I have ever eaten. You can make this recipe by just adding or minimizing to suit the amount you need. This recipe will serve 8 people. This is one of the recipes you can make in advance as this is just tastier the following day. It is EASY to make!

• 30ml Ground Ginger

• 30ml Soft Brown Sugar

• 30ml Turmeric

• 30ml Curry powder

• 30ml Crushed Garlic

• 10ml Salt

• 2ml Pepper

• 50ml Olive Oil

• 5 Medium Onions sliced in cubes

• 2 Slices White Bread soaked in water

• 1kg Lean Mince

• 150ml Seedless Raisins (sultanas is the best) or any other available

• 12 Almonds sliced

• 60ml Mrs Ball Chutney

• 30ml Lemon  Juice

• 30ml Worcestershire  Sauce

• 375ml Milk

• 2 Eggs

• Almonds for garnish and lemon leaves if available

Heat the oil in a heavy saucepan, add all the ingredients in the hot oil and sauté the onions on medium heat until slightly golden colour.

Remove the excess water from the bread and mix all the ingredients of Group 2 together and add to the saucepan, mix well, make sure that you have turned the heat down, you need to stir the mixture occasionally ensuring that you cover all the meat to an even colour, cover the saucepan and simmer for at least 30 minutes. Then you place the mixture in a oven dish. Decorate with whole Almonds and Lemon Leaves if you have available.

Beat the eggs and milk well and pour over the meat mixture.  Place in a preheated 180° oven. For 30 minutes.

• 2 Cups White Rice

• 1 Teaspoon Salt

• ! Teaspoon Turmeric

• 2 Cups of Water

• 1 Teaspoon Lemon Juice

• (Plus minus 2  Teaspoons Sugar mixed with Cinnamon to be added when cooked)

Add all the ingredients together and bring to boil, let it simmer until rice is cooked, will take about 20 minutes, depending on which rice you use, Basmati Rice works perfectly. Remove from the stove; add mixed sugar and cinnamon to taste.  On the photo Brown Basmati Rice was used.  Make your favourite salad just before serving.