South African Spiced Lamb Bobotie

Ingredients

• 500g (1.1 lb) ground lamb 500g (1.1 lb) ground lamb
• 1 onion, finely chopped 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 2 slices of white bread, soaked in milk 2 slices of white bread, soaked in milk
• 2 tablespoons curry powder 2 tablespoons curry powder
• 1 teaspoon ground turmeric 1 teaspoon ground turmeric
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1 tablespoon apricot jam 1 tablespoon apricot jam
• 2 tablespoons white vinegar 2 tablespoons white vinegar
• 2 tablespoons raisins 2 tablespoons raisins
• 2 eggs 2 eggs
• 250ml (1 cup) milk 250ml (1 cup) milk
• Salt and pepper to taste Salt and pepper to taste

Nutrition

• Calories: 380 kcal / 1590 KJ
• Fat: 25g (9g saturated)
• Carbohydrates: 12g (5g sugars)
• Protein: 28g
• Fiber: 2g
• Salt: 1.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F).
2. 2.
   Heat the vegetable oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, and sauté until translucent.
3. 3.
   Add the ground lamb to the pan and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon.
4. 4.
   Stir in the curry powder, turmeric, cinnamon, apricot jam, white vinegar, and raisins. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
5. 5.
   Remove the pan from heat and season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. 6.
   In a separate bowl, combine the soaked bread (squeeze out any excess milk) with one beaten egg. Mix well until it forms a paste.
7. 7.
   Add the bread mixture to the lamb mixture and stir until well combined.
8. 8.
   Transfer the lamb mixture to a greased baking dish and spread it evenly.
9. 9.
   In a separate bowl, whisk together the remaining egg and milk. Pour the mixture over the lamb, ensuring it covers the entire surface.
10. 10.
    Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the custard topping is set and golden brown.
11. 11.
    Remove from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before serving.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Ground lamb — Ensure the lamb is cooked thoroughly to avoid any risk of foodborne illness.
• Curry powder — Adjust the amount of curry powder according to your preference for spiciness.
• Apricot jam — Use a good quality apricot jam to add a touch of sweetness to the dish.

Tips & Tricks

• For a twist, you can substitute the ground lamb with ground beef or chicken.
• Serve the Spiced Lamb Bobotie with a side of yellow rice and chutney for a complete South African meal.
• Leftovers can be refrigerated and enjoyed the next day, as the flavors tend to develop and intensify.

Serving advice

Serve the Spiced Lamb Bobotie hot, straight from the oven, accompanied by a fresh green salad and a side of yellow rice. Garnish with chopped fresh cilantro for an extra burst of flavor.

Presentation advice

Present the Spiced Lamb Bobotie in the baking dish it was cooked in, allowing the golden custard topping to be showcased. Alternatively, transfer individual portions to serving plates and garnish with a sprinkle of cinnamon or paprika for an added visual appeal.