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Hi! I’m Kate, the face behind KateFi.com—a blog all about making life easier and more affordable.
South African Bobotie is a delicious, aromatic dish made from spiced minced meat topped with a creamy, baked egg custard. It’s one of South Africa’s most beloved comfort foods, and you can make it for under $5! Perfect for dinner, this dish is hearty, filling, and delightfully fragrant.
🌟 Why You’ll Love Bobotie
- Incredibly Budget-Friendly: A hearty meal for less than $5.
- Unique Flavors: A combination of sweet, spicy, and savory notes.
- Versatile: Serve it with rice, bread, or even a simple salad.
- Easy to Make: Uses affordable, common pantry staples.
Want to learn more about South African cuisine? Check out this guide from TasteAtlas.
📋 Ingredients (Serves 4, Cost: $4.80)
- 1 lb ground beef or ground turkey ($3.00)
- 1 onion, chopped ($0.25)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced ($0.10)
- 1 slice of bread, soaked in milk ($0.20)
- 1/4 cup raisins (optional) ($0.30)
- 1 tablespoon curry powder ($0.15)
- 1/2 teaspoon turmeric ($0.10)
- Salt and pepper to taste (Negligible)
- 2 eggs ($0.40)
- 1/2 cup milk ($0.30)
Looking for more affordable ground meat options? Check out ButcherBox.
👩🍳 Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Cook the Meat: Heat oil in a skillet and sauté onions and garlic until fragrant. Add ground meat, curry powder, turmeric, salt, and pepper. Cook until browned.
- Add Bread & Raisins: Stir in soaked bread and raisins (if using) until well combined.
- Transfer to Baking Dish: Spread the meat mixture evenly in a greased baking dish.
- Make Custard Topping: Whisk together eggs and milk. Pour over the meat mixture.
- Bake: Bake for 30–40 minutes until the custard is set and lightly browned.
- Serve Hot: Serve with rice, bread, or vegetables.
For a more authentic experience, serve with yellow rice. Learn how to make it with this recipe from AllRecipes.
📊 Cost Breakdown
| Ingredient | Cost |
|---|---|
| Ground Beef/Turkey | $3.00 |
| Onion | $0.25 |
| Garlic | $0.10 |
| Bread | $0.20 |
| Raisins (Optional) | $0.30 |
| Curry Powder | $0.15 |
| Turmeric | $0.10 |
| Eggs | $0.40 |
| Milk | $0.30 |
| Total Cost | $4.80 |
🌟 Tips for Making the Best Bobotie
- Add some chutney to the meat mixture for extra flavor.
- Sprinkle with sliced almonds before baking for a nice crunch.
- Serve with rice or fresh salad for a complete meal.
Learn more about the history of Bobotie from BBC Travel.
📖 More Budget-Friendly Recipes You’ll Love
- The Lazy Girl’s Guide to Financial Independence – No Budgeting Required
- 15 Easy Ways to Save Money on Groceries Without Sacrificing Quality
- Extreme Frugality: The Wildest Ways People Save Money and What Actually Works
📌 Final Thoughts
South African Bobotie is a unique, affordable, and comforting dish that’s sure to become a family favorite. With its rich, savory custard topping and perfectly spiced meat filling, it’s hard to resist.
For more cheap and delicious recipes, keep visiting KateFi.com!
