VEGETARIAN LENTIL AND RICE BOBOTIE (DEENA MASTERCHEF SA)
November 7, 2012 in Vegetables
After the debacle regarding the value of the prizes won by Masterchef SA (said to be in the region of R 8 000 000) Deena Naidoo, has finally opened his restaurant, Aarya, in Montecasino last week. He is currently writing a weekly food column in a local Indian newspaper, Post. His recipe for a vegetarian lentil and rice bobotie is an interesting adaptation of the traditional spiced minced meat baked with an egg-based topping. After trying out his recipe I have to admit it’s fabulous and give him credit for being such a creative cook he certainly understands how to blend the different flavours and make it work.
For those like me who did not know the origin of the traditional bobotie – it is said to have originated in the island of Jakarta which was the headquarters of the Dutch East India Company. It probably arrived in South Africa with the advent of slaves and political exiles mainly Javanese. These people became known as the Cape Malays and have had a tremendous influence on South Africa’s culinary scene.
VEGETARIAN LENTIL AND RICE BOBOTIE (DEENA MASTERCHEF SA)
Ingredients
250ml lentils
30ml sunflower oil
1 medium onion, grated
1 tsp salt
1 ½ tsp turmeric
5ml chilli powder
5ml ground cumin
250ml cooked basmati rice
80ml milk
80gr raisins
1 grated apple
Custard Topping
2 eggs
160ml yoghurt
Bay leaves to taste
Soak the lentils overnight in water. Cook until al dente. Drain and keep aside.
Soak the cooked rice in milk.
Heat a large pan. Add the oil and sauté the onion, together with the spices. Add the lentils, raisins, apple and rice to the onion mixture and season to taste.
Pack tightly in a greased ovenproof pan (18 x 14cm).
Mix the topping ingredients together and pour over the lentil and rice mix. Garnish with bay leaves.
Cover with foil and bake at 180 C for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and bake uncovered for another 20 minutes until the topping is set.
Sous Chef said on November 7, 2012
Such a nice healthy alternative, and more economical too!
mitzireddy said on November 8, 2012
ideal when on a diet as well – thanks, Sue.
Anne Myers said on November 8, 2012
Very nice post, Mitzi. The stuff I dream of … xxx
mitzireddy said on November 8, 2012
Appreciate the visit, Ann – thanks.
lifeisazoobiscuit said on November 8, 2012
Love Deena and love the recipe. Thanks for sharing
mitzireddy said on November 9, 2012
Have a great weekend, Anel.
pinkpolkadot said on November 8, 2012
Lovely recipe!! Have a fabulous day, Mitzi!
mitzireddy said on November 9, 2012
Looking forward to tomorrow’s episode of Dinner Divas, Zirkie and seeing you in action. Enjoy the weekend.
janice tripepi said on November 8, 2012
I just love this recipe Mitzi darling. Bobotie is one of my favourites xxxx have a great evening xxx jan
mitzireddy said on November 9, 2012
Enjoy your weekend, Jan – especially with the unpredictable weather we are experiencing.
Healthy Vegetarian Foods By Usha Singh said on November 8, 2012
This is a lovely recipe and i would love to try it–without the eggs, The picture looks fantastic
mitzireddy said on November 9, 2012
Thanks, Usha – will be following your posts for Diwali baking.
zincsulfate said on November 9, 2012
I will have a try. Thanks for sharing.
mitzireddy said on November 9, 2012
Its easy to put together and the end result is yum. I have to admit that I only buy Greek double cream smooth yoghurt ( even when I am dieting).
sue hall said on November 12, 2012
does the milk to into the mixture after you have soaked the rice in it?
mitzireddy said on November 12, 2012
The rice together with the milk is added to the mixture.
Galaxy Rice Pakistan said on November 15, 2012
Aw, this was a really nice post. http://blogs.food24.com is really good. In idea I would like to put in writing like this additionally – taking time and actual effort to make a very good article… but what can I say… I procrastinate alot and by no means seem to get something done.