Discover a flavorful and nutritious twist on the traditional bobotie recipe with our Vegetarian Bobotie. Instead of meat, this lighter version features a combination of cooked lentils and a medley of finely chopped vegetables. Packed with aromatic spices and wholesome ingredients, this plant-based dish offers a delightful taste of South Africa for vegetarian and vegan food enthusiasts.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup cooked lentils
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 carrot, finely chopped
- 1 cup frozen peas
- 1 cup mushrooms, finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons curry powder
- 1 teaspoon ground turmeric
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 2 tablespoons fruit chutney
- 2 tablespoons apricot jam
- 2 tablespoons vinegar
- 2 tablespoons sultanas or raisins
- 2 tablespoons flaked almonds
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 3 eggs (or vegan egg substitute)
- 250ml plant-based milk
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).
- Heat the vegetable oil in a large frying pan over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, and sauté until golden and fragrant.
- Add the chopped carrot, frozen peas, and mushrooms to the pan. Cook until the vegetables are tender, about 5 minutes.
- In a separate bowl, combine the cooked lentils with the cooked vegetables.
- Add the curry powder, turmeric, cumin, coriander, cinnamon, fruit chutney, apricot jam, vinegar, sultanas or raisins, and flaked almonds to the lentil and vegetable mixture. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Mix everything thoroughly and let it simmer for 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
- Transfer the vegetarian bobotie mixture to a greased ovenproof dish, spreading it out evenly.
- In a separate bowl, beat the eggs (or vegan egg substitute) and plant-based milk together. Pour this custard mixture over the lentil and vegetable mixture, ensuring it covers the entire surface.
- Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 40 minutes, or until the custard is set and golden brown on top.
- Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
- Serve the Vegetarian Bobotie with yellow rice, chutney, and sambals for a complete and satisfying plant-based meal.
Experience the delightful flavors of South African cuisine with our Vegetarian Bobotie. This wholesome and plant-based variation, featuring lentils and a medley of finely chopped vegetables, captures the essence of the traditional dish while providing a nutritious and delicious option for vegetarian and vegan food enthusiasts. Explore the vibrant spices and textures of this vegetarian twist on a South African classic.