Easy Low Carb Bobotie

I promised you this one – and here it is – low carb bobotie.

So easy and totally delish – just like the real deal!

So – what IS bobotie?
Well, it’s a traditional Cape Malay dish and totally South African.
Bobotie is a spiced mince dish that is baked with a savoury custard topping.
It’s definitely something that most South Africans grew up with – or have at least eaten once in their lives, yes, I bet even vegetarians have had this at some stage…

I didn’t grow up with very traditional foods – I don’t remember my parents {both mom & dad did the cooking in our house, dad being the über-foodie} ever making a stew, dreaded pap & mince or anything like that, that most of my peers grew up with.
However, bobotie was in the mix for sure, and this was as close to ‘boerekos’ as I ever got.
{Even though I’m an Afrikaans girl, hubby had to teach and convince me to start making more traditional meals…}

Anyhoo, a bobotie usually contains raisins and white bread – so not very low-carb or paleo-friendly…

Here’s my version of a low carb bobotie, with cranberries instead of raisins:

Low Carb Bobotie – serves 6-8

You will need:

2 tbsp. coconut oil
1 large onion, finely chopped
1 tbs curry powder
1 tsp turmeric
1 tsp cumin
1 kg minced beef {minced topside is great!}
1 tsp salt
1/2 cup dried cranberries, soaked in hot water
5 eggs {keep 3 aside for the custard topping}
1 cup cream OR buttermilk
Salt & pepper
4 bay leaves

Start by heating the coconut oil in a large pot, add the onions and let it sauté on a medium heat.
Add the spices and cook until the onion is soft and fragrant.
Add the mince + 1 tsp salt and let it cook until the meat is cooked.

Next, add the soaked cranberries {drain the water!}.

Remove from the heat, while you prepare the custard topping:

Whisk 3 eggs together with the cream and season with salt & pepper.

Now, mix the remaining 2 eggs into the curried mince mixture and scoop it into a buttered oven dish.
Pour the egg & cream mixture over the top and place the bay leaves on top.

Bake at 180C / 325F for 45 minutes.

Serve with a salad or some shaved almonds or a sugar-free chutney if you like.

Bobotie is not an overly spicy dish, but rather a mildly spiced, fragrant and delicate dish. And you definitely must include the cranberries!!

This makes a great family meal and perfect for lunch boxes the following day.

Enjoy! X

*I’ve updated this recipe to be as easy and tasty as possible.