Close-up shot of a golden-brown Bobotie in a skillet, next to a plate of muffins

Bobotie

bobotie with a side of muffins

By Savory Touch

Published: 13 Apr 2025

My friend Sarah, bless her heart, once tried to make Bobotie following a recipe from some obscure website. It turned out...well, let's just say it wasn't pretty. So I decided to write a recipe that's foolproof, delicious, and actually enjoyable to make. This recipe, friends, is my masterpiece! The star of the show is, of course, the Bobotie: a South African classic. It's a comforting, flavorful, and slightly sweet and savory baked dish made with spiced ground meat, topped with a crispy, sweet breadcrumb mixture. And to add a little something extra, I've included a recipe for simple, yet delicious, muffins to perfectly complement the richness of the Bobotie. It’s a match made in culinary heaven!
A rustic kitchen table set with a plate of Bobotie and a basket of warm muffins
Now, let's talk about the muffins. They're the perfect counterpoint to the rich and savory Bobotie. Think of them as the perfect palate cleanser. Think of this dish as a fusion of flavors and textures, a culinary adventure! We're going for a simple, slightly sweet muffin that won't overpower the Bobotie. It's all about balance, my friends. Balance of flavors, balance of textures, balance of everything! You get the picture.
Close up of a single muffin, slightly crumbly and golden brown

Required Equipments

  • Large oven-safe skillet or baking dish
  • Mixing bowls (at least 3)
  • Whisk
  • Wooden spoon
  • Spatula
  • Muffin tin
  • Measuring cups and spoons

Bobotie with a side of muffins

This recipe combines the comforting flavors of South African Bobotie with the delightful simplicity of homemade muffins, creating a delicious and balanced meal.

⏳ Yield & Time

Yield: 4 servings

Preparation Time: 30 minutes

Cook Time: 60 minutes

Total Time:

🍽 Ingredients

📖 Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is crucial for even cooking!
  2. Get started on the Bobotie first. In a large bowl, combine the ground meat, onion, garlic, and spices. Remember, don't be shy with the spices—Bobotie needs bold flavors! Mix everything thoroughly until well combined. You want that gorgeous, fragrant mix!
  3. In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, apricot jam, and curry powder. The apricot jam adds a lovely sweetness that balances the savory meat mixture. Gently pour this mixture into the bowl with the ground meat and stir gently but thoroughly. Don't overmix; you just want it combined nicely.
  4. Pour the meat mixture into a large oven-safe skillet or baking dish. Spread it out evenly. Sprinkle raisins evenly across the top—a little unconventional, I know, but trust me on this one.
  5. For the topping, mix the bread crumbs, brown sugar, and melted butter together in a bowl. You know, kind of like a crumble topping. Sprinkle this mixture over the meat mixture, making sure it's evenly distributed. This creates a delightful crunchy topping.
  6. Bake for 45-60 minutes, or until the Bobotie is golden brown and bubbly and the topping is nicely browned. It's done when a knife inserted into the center comes out clean. An internal temperature of 160°F (71°C) is also a good indicator.
  7. While the Bobotie is baking, make those delicious muffins! Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line your muffin tin with paper liners or grease it well to prevent sticking.
  8. In a mixing bowl, combine all the muffin ingredients. Mix until just combined—don't overmix. Overmixing leads to tough muffins. Nobody wants tough muffins!
  9. Fill each muffin cup about ¾ full. Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. That golden-brown color is your signal of success!
  10. Once both the Bobotie and muffins are done, remove them from the oven and let them cool slightly before serving. Garnish the Bobotie (if you feel fancy) with some extra curry powder or chopped fresh parsley. Serve warm and enjoy!

📝 Notes

  • For a spicier Bobotie, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or some chili flakes.
  • Feel free to experiment with different types of ground meat, such as lamb or turkey.
  • If you don't have apricot jam, you can substitute with another fruit jam, such as peach or prune.
  • For the muffins, use your favorite type of milk, or make it dairy-free!

🍎 Nutrition

Calories: 500 kcal

Protein: 30 g

Fat: 30 g

Carbohydrates: 50 g

Fiber: 5 g

Calcium: 100 mg

Frequently Asked Questions

Cooking is at once child's play and adult joy. And cooking done with care is an act of love.

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SavoryTouch offers general content intended solely for informational purposes. The information provided on this site is not a substitute for professional nutritional, dietary, or culinary advice. Always seek the advice of qualified professionals regarding any dietary concerns, health conditions, or food-related decisions.

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