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–+ servings

Lemon Finish Cape Town Bobotie Bake with Cheese

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Dive into a bowl of comfort with this delightful Cape Town Bobotie Bake! This dish combines tender, spiced ground meat with a creamy cheese topping, all finished with a refreshing lemon zest. It beautifully reflects the essence of home-cooked meals in Cape Town, South Africa. Perfect for gatherings or a cozy family dinner, feel free to adjust the spices and cheese to suit your taste preferences!
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 10 minutes
Servings: 6
Course: Africa
Cuisine: South African
Calories: 350
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 500 g ground beef or lamb
  • 1 150 g onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tbsp curry powder
  • 1 tsp turmeric
  • 1 tbsp chutney
  • 3 slices white bread, crusts removed
  • 250 ml milk
  • 2 large eggs
  • zest of 1 lemon
  • juice of ½ lemon
  • salt and pepper, to taste
  • 100 g cheddar cheese, grated
  • (for garnish) fresh parsley, chopped optional

Equipment

  • Ovenproof baking dish
  • Chef's knife
  • Heatproof mixing bowl
  • Deep frying pan or pot
  • Electric mixer (or whisk)

Method
 

  1. Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).
  2. In a frying pan over medium heat, sauté the onion and garlic until softened. Add the ground meat and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spatula.
  3. Stir in the curry powder, turmeric, and chutney. Cook for another 5 minutes, then season with salt and pepper.
  4. Soak the slices of bread in the milk for a few minutes; then, squeeze out excess liquid and crumble into the meat mixture.
  5. In a mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, lemon zest, and lemon juice. Incorporate this mixture into the meat.
  6. Transfer the mixture into an ovenproof baking dish, smoothing the top.
  7. Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes.
  8. Remove from the oven, sprinkle the grated cheese on top, and return to bake for another 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and slightly golden.
  9. Allow to rest for 10 minutes before serving warm, garnished with fresh parsley if desired.

Nutrition

Calories: 350kcalCarbohydrates: 24gProtein: 22gFat: 18gSodium: 450mgPotassium: 300mgFiber: 1gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 5mgCalcium: 100mgIron: 2.5mg

Notes

Feel free to swap out the ground meat for a plant-based alternative if you're looking for a vegetarian option!
Experiment with different cheeses for varied flavor profiles.
This bobotie bake keeps well in the fridge for up to three days and can be reheated gently in the oven to maintain its wonderful texture.
Enjoy this home-cooked dish that truly captures the heart of Cape Town!

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