Bobotie Mac and Cheese with a Crunchy Topping

A delicious and spicy twist on classic mac and cheese, featuring the flavors of South African bobotie. Topped with a crunchy breadcrumb and almond topping.

Prep Time

20 minutes

Total Time

55 minutes

Calories

1150

Level

Medium

Yields

4 servings

Cost

£4.84

Season:

Meal Type:

Cuisine:

Mood:

Ingredients

Servings

1poundElbow Macaroni

£0.80

1poundGround Beef(You can use lamb or a mix of both)

£4.50

1mediumOnion(Chopped)

£0.50

2clovesGarlic(Minced)

£0.20

2tablespoonsCurry Powder(Adjust to taste)

£0.30

0.5teaspoonTurmeric

£0.10

0.5teaspoonGaram Masala

£0.15

0.5cupDried Apricots(Chopped)

£1.20

0.3cupRaisins

£0.35

0.3cupAlmonds(Slivered or flaked)

£1.50

4cupsMilk

£1.30

0.3cupButter

£0.75

0.3cupAll-Purpose Flour

£0.15

4cupsSharp Cheddar Cheese(Shredded)

£4.00

1cupMozzarella Cheese(Shredded)

£2.50

1Egg(Beaten)

£0.30

1Bay Leaf

£0.10

To tasteSalt

To tastePepper

0.5cupBreadcrumbs(Panko or regular)

£0.40

2teaspoonWorcestershire sauce

£0.25

Total Cost

£19.35

£4.84 per serving

The Method

1
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2
Cook macaroni according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
3
While macaroni is cooking, brown ground beef in a large skillet over medium heat. Drain off any excess fat.
4
Add onion and garlic to the skillet and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
5
Stir in curry powder, turmeric, garam masala, dried apricots, raisins, bay leaf and Worcestershire sauce. Cook for 2 minutes more, stirring constantly.
6
In a separate saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook for 1 minute to make a roux.
7
Gradually whisk in milk until smooth. Bring to a simmer, stirring constantly, until the sauce thickens slightly.
8
Remove from heat and stir in cheddar cheese and mozzarella cheese until melted and smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
9
Stir the cooked macaroni and the bobotie mixture into the cheese sauce. Mix well.
10
Stir in the beaten egg to help bind the mixture.
11
Pour the mac and cheese mixture into a greased 9x13 inch baking dish.
12
In a small bowl, combine breadcrumbs and almonds. Sprinkle evenly over the mac and cheese.
13
Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown and bubbly.
14
Let cool for a few minutes before serving. Remove bay leaf before serving.

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My Notes

Nutrition Information

Nutrition per serving (450g)

1150 kcal / 4811 kJ

Carbs

95g

37% of RDA

Fat

65g

93% of RDA

Protein

65g

130% of RDA

Detailed Breakdown

Fibre

7 g

23% of RDA

Sugar

25 g

28% of RDA

Sodium

900 mg

39% of RDA

Saturated Fat

35 g

175% of RDA

Chef's Tips

For a spicier dish, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the bobotie mixture.

You can use different types of cheese for the sauce, such as Gruyere or Fontina.

Add a pinch of sugar to the bobotie mixture to balance the spices.

For extra flavor, toast the breadcrumbs and almonds in a dry skillet before adding them to the mac and cheese.

Garnish with fresh parsley or cilantro before serving.

Cooking Equipment

Oven

Stove

Large Pot

9x13 inch Baking Dish

Wine Pairings

No wine pairing suggestions available for this recipe.

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