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Bobotie-Inspired Savoury Cake Recipe

Bobotie-Inspired Savoury Cake Recipe

5 from 13 reviews

A unique and flavorful Bobotie-Inspired Savoury Cake that combines aromatic South African spices with hearty vegetables, minced meat, and cheese. This moist and savory cake is perfect for a comforting meal or special gathering, featuring a delightful blend of curry, turmeric, and traditional bobotie ingredients baked into a beautiful golden cake.

Ingredients

Scale

Dry Ingredients

  • 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour
  • 2 tsp baking powder
  • 1 tbsp mild curry powder
  • 1 tsp turmeric
  • ½ tsp salt
  • 2 tbsp sugar (just to balance flavours)

Wet Ingredients

  • 3 large eggs
  • ½ cup (120ml) vegetable oil
  • 1 cup (240ml) milk
  • 1 tbsp vinegar or lemon juice
  • 1 tsp vanilla essence (optional but adds warmth)

Filling & Add-Ins

  • 1 cup (150g) cooked minced beef or chicken (seasoned with curry, onions & bay leaves)
  • ½ cup (80g) peas
  • ½ cup (80g) diced carrots (lightly steamed)
  • ½ cup (80g) chopped bell peppers
  • ½ cup (100g) diced cooked potatoes (optional)
  • ½ cup (100g) chopped sausages (optional)
  • ½ cup (50g) grated cheddar cheese
  • 2 tbsp raisins (optional, classic bobotie touch)

Topping (optional)

  • ½ cup (120ml) cheese sauce or melted cheddar
  • A sprinkle of curry powder

Instructions

  1. Preheat and Prepare Pan: Start by warming your oven to 180°C (350°F). Grease and flour a bundt pan or round cake tin to prevent sticking.
  2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, curry powder, turmeric, salt, and sugar until well combined.
  3. Combine Wet Ingredients: In another bowl, whisk the eggs, vegetable oil, milk, vinegar or lemon juice, and vanilla essence until smooth and silky.
  4. Make Batter: Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients, stirring gently until a smooth batter forms with a comforting curry aroma.
  5. Add Filling Ingredients: Fold in the cooked minced meat, peas, carrots, chopped bell peppers, potatoes (if using), sausages (if using), grated cheddar cheese, and raisins (if using), distributing them evenly throughout the batter.
  6. Transfer to Pan and Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top gently. Bake for 40–50 minutes, or until a skewer inserted into the center comes out clean and the cake turns a deep golden color.
  7. Cool and Add Topping: Allow the cake to rest for a few minutes before carefully turning it out onto a serving plate. If desired, drizzle with melted cheddar or cheese sauce and sprinkle with a little curry powder for extra flavor.
  8. Serve: Serve warm alongside chutney or a light salad for a satisfying, savory treat inspired by traditional South African bobotie.

Notes

  • Using vinegar or lemon juice in the batter helps keep the cake moist and tender.
  • You can substitute the minced meat with cooked chicken or go vegetarian by omitting the meat.
  • Optional ingredients like potatoes, sausages, and raisins add extra texture and flavor but can be omitted based on preference.
  • Make sure to lightly steam the carrots before adding to ensure they are tender after baking.
  • The cheese sauce topping adds richness but the cake is delicious even without it.
  • Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator and consume within 3 days.
  • Reheat gently to maintain moistness and flavor.

Nutrition

Keywords: Bobotie, savoury cake, curry cake, South African recipe, savory baking, minced meat cake, vegetable cake