
A South African-inspired snack or appetizer featuring flavorful bobotie meatballs glazed with a sweet and tangy apricot sauce.
Preheat oven to 180°C (350°F). Grease a baking sheet with vegetable oil.
Soak the bread slices in milk until softened. Squeeze out excess milk.
In a large bowl, combine the ground beef/lamb, onion, garlic, curry powder, turmeric, ground coriander, ginger, chutney, soaked bread, egg, salt, and pepper. Mix well with your hands until all ingredients are incorporated.
Roll the mixture into small meatballs, about 1-inch in diameter. Place them on the prepared baking sheet.
Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the meatballs are cooked through and browned.
While the meatballs are baking, prepare the apricot glaze. In a small saucepan, combine the chopped dried apricots, apricot jam, soy sauce, and lemon juice.
Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the apricots soften and the glaze thickens slightly (about 5-7 minutes).
Once the meatballs are cooked, remove them from the oven and brush generously with the apricot glaze.
Return the glazed meatballs to the oven for another 3-5 minutes to allow the glaze to set slightly. Alternatively, you can glaze the meatballs after they come out of the oven and serve immediately.
Serve the mini bobotie meatballs warm as an appetizer or snack.
Nutrition per serving (330g)
For a spicier glaze, add a pinch of chili flakes to the apricot glaze.
You can substitute the ground beef/lamb with ground chicken or turkey for a lighter option.
For gluten-free bobotie meatballs, use gluten-free breadcrumbs instead of bread soaked in milk.
These meatballs can also be pan-fried. Heat some oil in a frying pan and cook the meatballs until browned and cooked through.
To prepare ahead of time, make the meatballs and apricot glaze up to a day in advance. Store them separately in the refrigerator. Before serving, bake or fry the meatballs and then glaze them.
Oven
Baking Sheet
Saucepan
No wine pairing suggestions available for this recipe.