BOBOTIE CIGARS
Bobotie’s roots in South Africa date back to the 17th century. Dutch traders set up camp in the area that is now Cape Town, using it as a stopping point on their journeys back and forth to Indonesia. The traders brought spices, cooking techniques, and recipes with them. While the specifics are a bit vague, it is thought by some that the original bobotie recipe came from Indonesia and was adapted to fit the ingredients available within the vicinity of the Cape Town area.
At Makweti Safari Lodge, we serve Bobotie Cigars as amuse-bouche; A delicate, bite-sized hors d’œuvre. Amuse-bouches are different from appetizers in that they are not ordered, but rather served according to the chef’s selection before the evening meal.
This bobotie recipe is by request of many Makweti guests:
BOBOTIE CIGARS INGREDIENTS
Makes approx. 8 cigars
- 1 onion, roughly chopped
- 15g butter
- 250g beef mince
- Salt & Black pepper, freshly ground
- 1 slice brown bread, crust trimmed
- 65ml buttermilk
- 1 free-range egg, beaten
- 35ml seedless raisins
- 1 tsp sugar for the egg whites
- 1 tbsp mild curry powder
- 1/2 tsp turmeric, ground
- Phyllo Pastry Sheets
COOKING INSTRUCTIONS
- Preheat the oven to 180°C
- Gently cook the onion in the melted butter until soft and golden
- Add the beef mince and pan fry for 5 minutes with the onion
- Season to taste
- Tear the bread into bits and mash it with the buttermilk and the beaten egg
- Mix the raisins, sugar, curry powder and bay leaves, then mix it with the mince and bread
- Test seasoning
- The Mince mix should not be too wet as it will compromise the pastry in baking
- Cut Phyllo pastry into 10cm squares – use 2 or 3 x 10cm square sheets per cigar
- Brush pastry with a little melted butter, coating the top side with a light coating
- Spoon Mince mixture into each cigar, and roll tightly, folding the sides in/ under to ensure no mince runs out
- Place rolled cigars on a non-stick baking tray (use baking spray to coat tray)
- Bake in 180°C Oven until Golden brown and even in colour
Traditional evolves to trendy, with these decadent bite-sized delights – take a swing at creating your own bobotie cigars and treat your friends to a special Makweti signature snack.
