Bobotee Meat Timbales

Bobotee Meat Timbales Recipe from Democratic Republic of Congo

Region / culture: Democratic Republic of Congo | Preparation time: 30 minutes | Cooking time: 45 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

Bobotee Meat Timbales is a delightful and exotic dish that hails from South Africa, embodying the rich culinary traditions and cultural diversity of the region. This dish is a savory blend of minced meat, fruits, and spices, topped with a golden custard layer, making it a unique and flavorful meal. The combination of sweet and spicy elements in Bobotee Meat Timbales offers a culinary adventure that is both comforting and exciting. This recipe is perfect for those looking to explore international cuisines and bring a taste of South African heritage into their kitchen.

History

Bobotee is a dish with a long and fascinating history, tracing back to the early 17th century when the Dutch East India Company colonized the Cape of Good Hope. The recipe was influenced by the Indonesian slaves brought to South Africa, who introduced a variety of spices and cooking techniques. Over the years, Bobotee evolved, incorporating local ingredients such as apricots and almonds, to become a beloved national dish. The Bobotee Meat Timbales recipe is a testament to South Africa's multicultural heritage, blending Dutch, Indonesian, and African flavors into a harmonious and delicious meal.

Ingredients

1 medium onion, chopped
1 oz (28 g) butter
1 slice white bread
Scant 0.5 pt (237 ml) milk
2 eggs, beaten
1 lb (454 g) raw meat, minced
2 tsp curry powder
juice of 1 lemon
12 almonds, chopped
8 dried apricots, soaked and chopped
2 oz (57 g) chutney, chopped
salt and pepper
2 bay leaves, broken in pieces

How to prepare

Sauté the onion in heated butter until it turns golden brown. Soak the bread in milk, then remove and squeeze it dry. Add the eggs to the milk. Mix the meat with the bread, onion, curry powder, lemon juice, almonds, apricots, chutney, salt, and pepper. Add half of the egg mixture and blend everything well. Place the mixture in a greased shallow baking dish. Hollow the centers slightly to allow for rising. Stick pieces of bay leaves on top. Bake for 20 minutes in a very moderate oven (350°F (177°C)). Remove the bay leaves and pour the remaining egg mixture on top. Return to the oven and continue baking until the custard sets, which should take about 25 minutes.

Variations

For a vegetarian version, substitute the minced meat with lentils or a meat alternative. You can also experiment with different dried fruits, such as raisins or figs, to adjust the sweetness to your liking.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

To ensure your Bobotee Meat Timbales turn out perfectly, consider the following tips:

- Use lean minced meat to prevent the dish from becoming too greasy.

- Soak the bread thoroughly in milk to achieve a tender texture in the final dish.

- Gently fold the egg mixture into the meat to keep the custard light and fluffy.

- Allow the dish to rest for a few minutes after baking for the flavors to meld together beautifully.

Serving Suggestions

Bobotee Meat Timbales can be served with a side of fragrant yellow rice, garnished with toasted almonds and fresh coriander. A simple cucumber salad dressed with yogurt and mint complements the rich flavors of the dish beautifully.

Cooking Techniques

Baking is the primary cooking technique used in this recipe, which allows the flavors to meld together and the custard to set perfectly. Sautéing the onions beforehand enhances their sweetness and adds depth to the dish.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you're unable to find dried apricots, dried peaches or mangoes make excellent substitutes. For a dairy-free version, use coconut milk instead of cow's milk and a dairy-free butter alternative.

Make Ahead Tips

Bobotee Meat Timbales can be prepared up to a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator. Simply reheat in the oven before serving, adding a few minutes to the cooking time to ensure it's heated through.

Presentation Ideas

Serve individual portions of Bobotee Meat Timbales in small ramekins or timbale molds for an elegant presentation. Garnish with fresh herbs and a drizzle of chutney for added color and flavor.

Pairing Recommendations

A crisp, fruity white wine, such as Chenin Blanc or Riesling, pairs wonderfully with the sweet and spicy flavors of Bobotee Meat Timbales. For a non-alcoholic option, consider a sparkling apple cider.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Leftover Bobotee Meat Timbales can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (177°C) until thoroughly warmed.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

A single serving of Bobotee Meat Timbales contains approximately 350-450 calories, making it a satisfying yet not overly indulgent meal option. The calorie content can be adjusted by varying the portions or modifying the ingredients used.

Carbohydrates

Bobotee Meat Timbales is relatively low in carbohydrates, with the primary sources being the bread, dried apricots, and chutney. One serving of this dish contains approximately 20-30 grams of carbohydrates, making it a suitable option for those monitoring their carb intake.

Fats

This dish contains a moderate amount of fat, primarily from the minced meat and butter used in the recipe. The total fat content per serving is approximately 15-25 grams, depending on the leanness of the meat and the amount of butter used. Opting for lean meat and reducing the butter can lower the fat content.

Proteins

Bobotee Meat Timbales is an excellent source of protein, thanks to the minced meat and eggs. Each serving provides roughly 25-35 grams of protein, contributing to muscle growth and repair. This makes the dish a hearty and nutritious option for a main meal.

Vitamins and minerals

This dish is rich in various vitamins and minerals, including vitamin B12 from the meat, vitamin A from the apricots, and calcium from the milk. Additionally, almonds provide a good source of vitamin E and magnesium, making Bobotee Meat Timbales a nutritious choice.

Alergens

Common allergens in this recipe include milk, eggs, nuts (almonds), and gluten (bread). Those with food allergies or sensitivities should take caution and consider suitable substitutions.

Summary

Overall, Bobotee Meat Timbales offers a balanced nutritional profile, with a good mix of proteins, healthy fats, and essential vitamins and minerals. It's a wholesome dish that can fit into a balanced diet while providing a burst of flavor and energy.

Summary

Bobotee Meat Timbales is a flavorful and nutritious dish that brings the essence of South African cuisine to your table. With its rich history, diverse ingredients, and delightful taste, it's sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection. Whether you're exploring new cuisines or simply looking for a hearty meal, this recipe offers something special for everyone.

How did I get this recipe?

I vividly recall the moment I first laid eyes on this recipe for Bobotee Meat Timbales. It was a warm summer day, and I was visiting my dear friend Mary at her home. Mary was an incredible cook, and she always had a new recipe up her sleeve to share with me.

As we sat in her cozy kitchen, sipping on tea and catching up on old times, Mary suddenly jumped up from her chair and disappeared into her pantry. She emerged a few moments later, holding a tattered old cookbook in her hands. "You simply must try this recipe for Bobotee Meat Timbales," she exclaimed, excitement shining in her eyes.

I had never heard of Bobotee Meat Timbales before, but I was eager to learn. Mary handed me the cookbook, and as I flipped through the pages, I came across the recipe. The ingredients were exotic and intriguing – ground beef, onions, raisins, almonds, curry powder, and a touch of sugar and vinegar. It was a fusion of flavors that I had never experienced before.

Mary had learned the recipe from a South African friend who had passed it down to her many years ago. She recounted how her friend had taught her the traditional way of making Bobotee Meat Timbales, using a special blend of spices and techniques that were unique to the region.

I was captivated by the story behind the recipe and couldn't wait to give it a try. Mary guided me through the steps, showing me how to sauté the onions until they were caramelized, how to mix the spices together to create a fragrant curry powder, and how to layer the meat mixture with the raisins and almonds in a baking dish.

As the Bobotee Meat Timbales baked in the oven, the aroma filled Mary's kitchen, and my mouth watered in anticipation. When the timer finally dinged, we pulled the dish out of the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving.

The first bite was a revelation. The flavors were bold and complex, with the sweetness of the raisins balancing out the spiciness of the curry powder. The almonds added a satisfying crunch, and the ground beef was tender and juicy. It was a dish unlike any other I had ever tasted, and I knew that I had to add it to my repertoire of recipes.

From that day on, Bobotee Meat Timbales became a staple in my kitchen. I made it for family gatherings, potlucks with friends, and even for special occasions like birthdays and holidays. Each time I cooked the dish, I thought of Mary and the wonderful memory we had created together that summer day.

Over the years, I have shared the recipe with countless people, passing it down from generation to generation. It has become a beloved family favorite, and I am always thrilled to see the smiles on my loved ones' faces as they take their first bite of Bobotee Meat Timbales.

As I sit here now, reminiscing about that fateful day in Mary's kitchen, I am filled with gratitude for the joy that cooking has brought into my life. The act of creating something delicious and sharing it with others has always been a source of comfort and connection for me, and I am forever grateful for the recipes that have enriched my culinary journey.

So the next time you find yourself in need of a new dish to try, I urge you to seek out the recipe for Bobotee Meat Timbales. Let its exotic flavors transport you to faraway lands and its rich history inspire you to create something truly special in your own kitchen. And who knows, maybe one day you'll pass it down to the next generation, just as I have done with Mary's cherished recipe.