How can such an African culinary staple be the favorite of so many who visit Disney’s Boma restaurant at Animal Kingdom Lodge? Well, quite simply, I think of Bobotie as an exotic meatloaf with a custardy-lovefest on top. And what a perfect dinner it is for Valentine’s Day, served with saffron rice, a light salad, and a banana-based dessert.
a meal of no regrets
Warm and sensuous, this dish makes me think of the ancient African word, Ubuntu, which literally means I am because we are, and connotes love, kindness and compassion. It’s certainly an impressive and star for a dinner party as well.
keeping it sultry
At Boma, this national dish of South Africa has been Americanized a bit, with more authentic versions having some difficult-to-find spices. I make the commonly-shared Disney version, but replace some of the sugar with Granny Smith apples (much better). I also used the sexier Turkish Sultanas instead of standard California raisins. They are fairly difficult to find in most stores, so I order mine from Amazon (affiliate link), and keep them in my pantry, using them as a superior substitute for raisins.
making it r-Rated
This version is also quite family-friendly, and just about everyone except the non-meat eater loves it. One could turn up the heat by adding some hot chutney or serving chutney on the side. Tip: Make ahead and freeze for camping.
Bomalicious African Bobotie
Ingredients
- 1 large sweet onion chopped
- 1/2 cup minced carrots
- 1 tsp minced garlic
- 1/2 tbsp vegetable oil
- 1/2 Tbsp unsalted butter
- 2 tbsp rice wine vinegar
- 1/4 tsp cinnamon
- 2 tsp curry powder
- 1/2 - 1 tsp coriander to taste
- 2 lbs ground lamb can substitute beef, turkey, pork
- 3 slices white bread crumbled
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/8 cup white sugar
- 1/2 cup sliced almonds
- 1 Granny Smith apple finely chopped
- 1/2 cup sultanas or golden raisins
- salt to taste
Topping
- 4 eggs extra large
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup milk
- lemon thyme leaves can substitute bay leaves
Instructions
- Heat oil and butter together in a large page, and add onions, carrots, and garlic. Cook about 5-7 minutes until caramelized.
- Add curry powder, coriander, and cinnamon, mixing well.
- Deglaze pan with rice vinegar and add meat. Break down meat, and cook while stirring, until done.
- Drain most of grease off meat mixture, and place into lightly-greased casserole.
- Stir in bread, heavy cream, sultanas, raisins and apple. Add salt to taste and adjust seasonings as needed. Set aside.
Topping
- Whisk together the eggs, cream and milk.
- Once meat mixture has cooled a bit, pour egg mixture over top. Do not stir it into mixture.
- Top with lemon thyme leaves or bay leaves.
- Cook in preheated 350 degree oven for about 35-45 minutes, or until eggs are golden and not runny.
Related: Disney Recipe of the Week: Boma African Pasta Salad
