Bomalicious African Bobotie – A Disney Recipe for Love

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.

Print Recipe
5 from 5 votes

Bomalicious African Bobotie

Cuisine: African
Servings: 8

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

 

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