South African night - Bobotie

Bobotie -  

The next chapter in our global dinners was South Africa .  I had a South African party about ten years ago.  It was such a fun theme.  I forgotttttt what a great time it was.  

Anytime you search for South African cuisine Bobotie is first to show up. I made this one with ground chicken.  My daughter doesn’t eat red meat. Found some vegetarian options out there too.   It was so good.  The scents that filled my kitchen were transporting me to another place. I had Mariam makeba playing.  Love my music to enhance the dinner.  Haha.  

 Recipe below - 

Watermelon tomato salad... fresh made croutons 

i made a watermelon, tomato, red onion and cottage cheese salad. Yep cottage cheese.  A recipe from a restaurant that boasted flavors of Africa.  I also made fresh croutons that I sautéed in turmeric, lemon, olive oil and dried mint.  S & P to taste.   

 I really love going thru old cookbooks. It’s fascinating to learn where something may have originated.  Seeing how different Cultures have blended cuisine and music to make something new and to in turn pass it down.  

Before I present the recipe I would love to share my favorite resources I always start with when I’m beginning a search for a new global dinner.  They are from Time Life.   The books are called Foods of the World.  I’m telling you still just the best to check out global eats.  I can usually find them at thrift stores and eBay.  The accompanying spirals have most of the recipes.  The hardcovers have the most beautiful pictures.  

African Cooking  

The original Bobotie recipe I ever used! 

Ok I’m going backwards.  Let’s get to what I did the other night.   

Bobotie - 

2 tbsp olive oil 

3 onions

2 tsp minced garlic  

1 lb ground chicken  

4 tsp hot curry powder  

1 tsp turmeric  

2 tsp salt  

black pepper to taste  

2 tbsp lemon juice  

1/2 cup plus 2 tbs chutney( I used mango)  ***( you can easily sub apricot jam or preserves)

2 tbs brown sugar  

2 tbs Worcestershire sauce

2 tbs tomato sauce

2 slices white bread soaked in a little little milk

4 large eggs  

1 1/2 cup milk 

salt and pepper  

3 bay leaves  

The how to-  

1.  First off, In a large saucepan, heat the olive oil med low heat and sauté the onion and garlic until slightly clear.
2. Add the ground chicken and brown - you can add water a 1/2 cup if needed(I used white wine) 
3. In a mixing bowl combine the curry powder, turmeric, salt, black pepper, lemon juice, chutney, sugar, tomato sauce and soaked bread.  Mix until combined.   
4. Add the sauce to the browned chicken, and simmer about 25 minutes mixing thoroughly regualarly.    
5. Transfer mixture to a baking dish.  
6. In a mixing bowl combine the eggs, milk, salt and pepper.  Gently pour the egg mixture over the meat and add the bay leaves.  
7. Bake in a 350 degree oven for 30 to 35 minutes.    

Oh my gosh your house will smell amazing.  You will be a rockstar! Take the time while you are inhaling this to chat about what your eating and where it’s from.  It’s fun I promise. 

Hope you try it!