Bobotie (South African Meatloaf Casserole)

The national dish of South Africa, Bobotie is a delightful blend of complex but perfectly balanced flavors. Meat, fruit, nuts, and curry are just a few of the flavors that will please your palate. This dish stems from the influence of early Dutch and Malaysian settlers to South Africa. Originally minced lamb was used, but other meats are now commonly used as well. Though many variations exist, Bobotie is essentially a meatloaf that’s mixed with dried fruits, including raisins and apricots, along with fruit chutney, vinegar, curry and turmeric, and is baked in a casserole dish with a custard sauce poured over it. It is traditionally served with yellow rice, which is simply white rice cooked as normal with some turmeric added to it for color. A classic and beloved dish in South Africa, you are almost guaranteed to find it served in most any restaurant. Bobotie is a great representation of how history and various cultural influences came together to create what is known today as South African cuisine.