In 2009 my parents, my daughter & I traveled to South Africa, Botswana & Zambia (back to the village where I was born!).  The sights, the sounds & the animals (of course) were memorable.  But so was the food!  After experiencing South African Bobotie firsthand, I quickly found a recipe that would help me to recreate this delish food experience at home.  Be sure to give this one a try!!  It is wonderful!

Serves 6

Ingredients

• 1 c coarse breadcrumbs or panko
• 1-1/2 c milk
• 2 c onions, finely chopped
• 1 Granny Smith apple, finely chopped
• 1-3/4 t salt
• 3 T butter
• 1/3 c raisins
• 1/4 c slivered blanched almonds
• 2 T curry powder
• 1 t sugar
• 3 eggs
• 2 lb ground lamb or beef
• 2 T fresh lemon juice
• 1/2 t finely grated fresh lemon zest
• 1/4 t black pepper

Soak breadcrumbs in milk in a small bowl until very soft, about 15 min.  Drain in a sieve set over a bowl, lightly pressing to remove excess milk.  Reserve milk.

Preheat oven to 350°F.

Cook onions, apple, & 1/4 t salt in butter in a large skillet over moderately low heat, stirring occasionally, until onions & apple are softened, about 12 min or until starting to brown.  Add raisins, almonds, curry powder & sugar & cook, stirring, 1 min, then remove from heat.  Lightly beat 1 egg in a large bowl, then add breadcrumbs, lamb or beef, raisin mixture, lemon juice & zest, 1-1/4 t salt & pepper & blend with your hands until combined.  Spread meat mixture evenly in baking dish & bake 30 min.

While meatloaf bakes, whisk together remaining 2 eggs, reserved milk & remaining 1/4 t salt.

Pour off excess fat from meatloaf (still in baking dish).  Pour egg mixture over meatloaf (much of egg will fill space that has formed around meatloaf), then return to oven & bake until custard is just set, about 15 min more.

Serve & enjoy!!

Recipe adapted from Epicurious