Irresistible Vegetarian Bobotie – Easy, Comforting & Spiced

2-3 Servings | Cooking time: 40–45 minutes

A soul-warming Vegetarian Bobotie with lentils/soya mince, turmeric, chutney and a golden egg topping. Easy Cape Malay comfort for busy weeknights.

Ingredients:

• 1 medium onion, chopped

• 1 cup soya mince or cooked lentils (your choice)

• 1/4 cup raisins

• 1 tablespoon lite chutney

• 1 teaspoon turmeric

• 1 cup vegetable stock

• 2 slices of low GI white bread, soaked in milk and mashed

• Salt and pepper to taste

• 1 large egg, whisked

• 1/2 cup milk, low fat/ fat free

• 1-2 medium tomatoes, chopped

---

Instructions:

1. Set the oven to 180 °C and let it heat while you prep.

2. Warm a large pan over medium heat with a light slick of oil (or cooking spray).

3. Add in the chopped onions and raisins; cook, stirring now and then, until the onions are glossy and just starting to caramelise, about 5 minutes.

4. Sprinkle over the turmeric and add the chutney. Stir for 2–3 minutes so the spices bloom and everything turns fragrant.

5. Add the soya mince (rehydrated if using dried) or the cooked lentils; fold through to coat in the spices.

6. Pour in the vegetable stock and mix well. Let it gently simmer for ~10 minutes until most of the liquid evaporates and the filling thickens.

7. Season to taste with salt and pepper.

8. Spoon the mixture into an ovenproof dish and level the top.

9. In a bowl, whisk together the egg, milk and the mashed/soaked bread until smooth.

10. Pour this custard evenly over the filling.

11. Cover the dish with foil and place on the centre rack.

12. Bake for 25–30 minutes, removing the foil for the last few minutes if you’d like extra colour on top, until the topping is set and lightly golden.

13. Rest for a few minutes before serving so the layers hold together.

---