Babootie

A simple, frugal, curry flavored dish with it's roots from Africa that is an excellent way to stretch only a pound of ground beef into a family meal. Like many other classic South African recipes babootie reflects the diversity of South African culture. The spices in babootie come from Indonesia, whilst the Dutch introduced ground meat (mince) to South African and babootie, like shepards pie from England used to be made with leftovers from the Sunday roast. The original recipe is likely to have come from the Dutch East India Company and their colonies in Indonesia, with the name coming from the Indonesian Bobotok.

Ingredients

• 1 large onion, chopped
• 2 tablespoons butter
  
• 2 teaspoons curry powder (more if you're brave!)
  
• 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
  
• 1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper
  
• 1 lb ground beef
  
• 2 slices bread, crumbled
  
• 2 cups milk
  
• 2 large eggs
  
• 1/2 cup raisins

Directions

1. In a large heavy fry pan, cook onion in butter until golden brown.
2. Add curry powder, 1 1/4 tsp salt, and cayenne pepper to pan and sauté another 2 - 3 minutes.
3. Add beef. Sauté until browned. Remove from heat and drain fat. (very important--thoroughly drain the fat!).
4. Soak crumbled bread in 1 1/2 cups of milk.
5. Add milk mixture to beef mixture in pan and stir.
6. Pour into buttered baking dish about 8 inches square, or similar size.
7. In small bowl, beat eggs with remaining 1/2 cup milk and add the raisins.
8. Pour egg mixture over top of beef mixture.
9. Bake uncovered in a 375°F oven for 50 - 60 minutes until the top is a pretty, light golden brown.
10. Serve with steamed vegetables, or rice if you prefer.