South African Bobotie

South Africa's national dish. Beef mince with a savoury custard topping. Thanks to Neil's Mum Carol for introducing me to this! I love it.

Ingredients

2 thick slices of stale white bread, crusts removed

1 cup milk

Olive oil

1 large onion, finely chopped

1/2 - 1 tbsp curry powder - depending on strength and preference

1 tsp turmeric

1 kg beef mince

1/2 cup seedless raisins

1/2 cup slivered almonds

1 tbsp apricot jam

1 tbsp good fruit chutney

2 tbsp lemon juice

Salt and pepper to season

Custard Topping

3 large eggs

Bay or lemon leaves

Lemon slices

Large handful of slivered almonds

Preheat the oven to 180C

Place the bread in the bowl and pour over the milk. Leave to stand for 3 minutes, then gently squeeze out the milk. Reserve the milk and the bread in separate bowls.

Heat the oil in a large pan. Add the onion and fry until soft. Remove the onion to a plate. Put the pan over high heat and fry the mince until brown. Add the onion back to the pan, along with the curry powder and turmeric. Mix well and fry for a minute or two or until fragrant. Add the bread, raisins, almonds, apricot jam, chutney and about 1/2 - 1 cup of hot water. Lower the heat and simmer for a couple of minutes or until the sauce has thickened. Remove from the heat and add the lemon juice.

Place the meat mixture in a large casserole dish and pack down firmly. Whisk the milk with the eggs and a pinch of salt. Pour the egg mix over the flattened meat. Decorate with the bay leaves, lemon slices and a good handful of slivered almonds.

Bake for 35-45 minutes or until the egg is just set - do not overcook. Serve with yellow rice and banana with coconut.

Banana with Coconut

Stir sliced banana with desicated coconut. Serve immediately. Two bananas is enough for 3-4 people depending on your appetite.

Yellow Rice

Add a teaspoon of ground turmeric to the rice before you cook it.