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Comforting Bobotie Curried Meatloaf with Golden Egg Custard

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A nostalgic South African-inspired curried meatloaf topped with a silky golden egg custard, blending warm spices and sweet chutney for a comforting and elegant dish perfect for family gatherings and special occasions.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb (450g) ground beef (or lamb for a richer flavor)
  • 2 slices white bread, crusts removed (soaked in ½ cup / 120ml milk)
  • 1 large onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tbsp vegetable oil (for sautéing)
  • 1 tbsp curry powder (Cape Malay style if available; otherwise mild curry powder)
  • 1 tsp turmeric powder
  • ½ tsp ground cumin
  • ½ tsp ground coriander
  • 2 tbsp chutney (preferably Mrs. Ball’s)
  • ¼ cup (40g) raisins or sultanas
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
  • 1 large egg (to bind)
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • 3 large eggs (for custard topping)
  • 1 cup (240ml) milk (whole milk preferred for custard)
  • Pinch of salt (for custard)
  • Freshly grated nutmeg (optional, for custard)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease your loaf pan.
  2. Soak the bread slices in ½ cup (120ml) of milk until soft, about 5 minutes. Squeeze out excess milk gently and set aside.
  3. Heat 1 tbsp vegetable oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add finely chopped onion and cook until translucent, about 5 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
  4. In a large bowl, combine ground beef, soaked bread, sautéed onion and garlic, curry powder, turmeric, cumin, coriander, chutney, raisins, lemon juice, the large egg, salt, and pepper. Mix gently until just combined; do not overmix.
  5. Transfer the mixture into the greased loaf pan and press down lightly to even out the surface.
  6. In a bowl, whisk together 3 eggs, 1 cup (240ml) milk, a pinch of salt, and a sprinkle of freshly grated nutmeg until smooth.
  7. Pour the custard mixture evenly over the meatloaf so it seeps into the top and creates a golden crust.
  8. Bake in the preheated oven for 50-60 minutes, or until the custard is set and golden, and the meatloaf is cooked through (internal temperature should reach 160°F / 71°C). A knife inserted in the center should come out clean.
  9. Rest the meatloaf for 10 minutes before slicing to allow juices to redistribute.
  10. Serve warm with sides like yellow rice, chutney, or a crisp salad.

Notes

Use ground beef with about 15% fat for moistness. For dairy-free, substitute milk with coconut milk and use a flax egg instead of chicken egg. Cover meatloaf loosely with foil if custard browns too fast. Avoid overmixing meat to prevent toughness. Leftovers keep well refrigerated for 3 days or frozen for up to 2 months.

Nutrition

Keywords: bobotie, curried meatloaf, South African recipe, egg custard topping, comfort food, Cape Malay curry, easy meatloaf, family dinner

Find it online: https://flurpchef.com/comforting-bobotie-curried-meatloaf-recipe-with-golden-egg-custard-easy-step-by-step-guide/