Lamb and Lentil Bobotie

Ingredients1–2 Tbsp olive oil
500 g lamb mince
2 medium-sized onions, chopped
1 clove garlic, minced
1 apple, peeled, cored and grated
1 tsp grated fresh ginger
2 tsp medium curry powder
1 tsp ground coriander
1 tsp turmeric
½ tsp ground cinnamon
½ tsp dried chilli flakes
½ tsp each of dried mixed herbs
1 Tbsp chutney
½ tsp salt pinch of freshly ground back pepper ½ cup seedless raisins
1 Tbsp lemon juice
21/2 cup cooked quinoa (for gluten free) OR 2 slices wholewheat bread, soaked in water, lightly squeezed and mashed with a fork
1 x 400 g can lentils, drained
2 Tbsp flaked almonds
2 bay leaves

For the Baked Egg Topping
1 cup milk
½ tsp salt pinch of freshly ground black pepper
2 eggs
Type of dish

Entree's

Occasion, extravagance & level of difficulty

Sophisticated

PreparationPreheat the oven to 190 °C and grease an ovenproof dish well. I prefer a slightly smaller dish that makes a deeper, moister bobotie.

Heat the oil and butter in a pan on medium-high heat and fry the mince, stirring often until loose and crumbly. Add the onions and fry until soft and translucent.

Add the garlic, apple, ginger, spices, herbs and chutney and continue cooking for another minute. Season with salt, pepper and lemon juice then add the mashed quinoa / bread, raisins, lentils and almonds.

Spread the mixture in the ovenproof dish and insert the bay leaves.

Beat all the ingredients for the topping with a fork and pour over the top.

Bake uncovered for 30–35 minutes, or until the custard topping is firm and golden brown.
TipsRecipe can easily be doubled and works just as well with beef instead of lamb
Photo Credit: Curtis Gallon