Savory Bobotie Filo Parcels for a Cozy Home Meal Experience is a delightful dish that combines the essence of traditional South African bobotie with a modern twist. Nestled within crispy layers of filo pastry, these parcels burst with flavor and make for a comforting meal, perfect for cozy nights in. Whether you want to impress guests or enjoy a family dinner, this recipe is sure to please.
Why Make This Savory Bobotie Filo Parcels for a Cozy Home Meal Experience
This dish is a wonderful fusion of flavors and textures. Bobotie is traditionally a savory baked dish made with spiced minced meat, which is often topped with custard. By wrapping the filling in filo pastry, you create an irresistible crunch that contrasts beautifully with the rich and aromatic filling. The combination of spices, raisins, and the slight sweetness from the chutney creates an explosion of flavor that will have everyone coming back for seconds. Plus, they are visually appealing, making them an excellent option for gatherings or special occasions.
How to Make Savory Bobotie Filo Parcels for a Cozy Home Meal Experience
Making these delightful parcels can be straightforward, and the results are deeply rewarding. The preparation involves a bit of chopping and sautéing, followed by assembling your filo parcels. The layering technique used with the pastry contributes to both the texture and presentation, ensuring every bite is satisfying.
Ingredients:
- 1 slice white bread (soaked in milk)
- 100 g golden sultanas
- 60 ml orange juice (freshly squeezed)
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- 30 g salted butter (for sautéing)
- 1 medium brown onion (finely diced)
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 medium carrot (finely grated)
- 1 tbsp freshly grated ginger
- 1 tbsp curry powder (medium strength)
- 1 tsp dried red chilli flakes
- 1 tsp ground coriander
- 1/2 tsp turmeric
- 1 tbsp lemon zest
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 500 g free-range lean beef mince
- 2 sticks cinnamon (for infusion)
- 2 tbsp Mrs Ball’s chutney
- 100 ml chicken stock
- 50 g almond flour
- 6 sheets filo pastry
- 50 g melted butter
- 1 egg for egg wash
- 2 tbsp sesame seeds
Directions:
Preparation
- Start by soaking the slice of white bread in milk until it softens, then squeeze out excess liquid and crumble it.
- In a pan, heat the vegetable oil and butter over medium heat. Sauté the onion until it becomes translucent, about 5 minutes. Add the garlic, carrot, and ginger, cooking for another 2-3 minutes.
- Stir in the curry powder, red chilli flakes, ground coriander, turmeric, lemon zest, and juice, cooking until fragrant. This should take about a minute.
- Add the beef mince to the pan, cooking until browned. Mix in the crumbled bread, sultanas, chutney, chicken stock, and almond flour. Allow the mixture to simmer for about 10 minutes to let the flavors meld.
Assembling
- Preheat your oven to 200°C (390°F).
- Lay a sheet of filo pastry on a clean surface and brush it with melted butter. Layer another sheet on top, brushing it with butter as well.
- Place a generous spoonful of the bobotie filling in the center of the pastry. Fold in the sides and roll it up to create a parcel. Repeat this process with the remaining filo and filling.
- Brush each parcel with the egg wash, then sprinkle sesame seeds on top.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown and crispy.
Nutritional Information
Per parcel serving (estimated):
- Calories: 320
- Total Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
- Sodium: 300mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 25g
- Dietary Fiber: 2g
- Sugars: 4g
- Protein: 14g
How to Serve Savory Bobotie Filo Parcels for a Cozy Home Meal Experience
These filo parcels can be served hot from the oven, accompanied by a fresh salad or vegetable sides. They work wonderfully as appetizers for parties or can be the centerpiece of a leisurely family dinner. Consider serving them with a side of mango chutney or yogurt for dipping, adding an extra layer of flavor.
How to Store Savory Bobotie Filo Parcels for a Cozy Home Meal Experience
If you have leftovers, let the parcels cool completely before storing them in an airtight container in the fridge. They can be kept for up to 3 days. For longer storage, consider freezing them before baking. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil; they will last up to 2 months in the freezer. When you’re ready, simply bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
Expert Tips for Perfect Savory Bobotie Filo Parcels for a Cozy Home Meal Experience
- Pastry Handling: Filo pastry can dry out quickly, so keep it covered with a damp cloth while you work to prevent it from becoming brittle.
- Filling Variations: Feel free to substitute the beef with ground lamb, chicken, or even a vegetarian option like lentils or chickpeas.
- Flavor Enhancements: For a unique twist, add some chopped nuts or dried apricots to the filling, enhancing both texture and flavor.
Delicious Variations
- Vegetable Bobotie Parcels: Use a mix of your favorite vegetables, like bell peppers, zucchini, and spinach, instead of meat for a vegetarian version.
- Spicy Chicken Filo Parcels: Substitute the beef with chicken mince and add more chili flakes for an extra kick.
- Sweet and Spicy: Add fruits like diced apples or pears to give a sweet contrast to the spices.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make these parcels ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the filling and fill the parcels, then store them in the fridge for up to one day before baking. This can save time on busy evenings.What can I serve with the parcels?
These savory parcels pair well with a simple green salad, rice, or a tangy yogurt dip to balance the spices.How can I ensure the filo stays crispy?
Brush each layer of filo with melted butter and avoid overfilling the parcels. This will help keep them crispy after baking.
Conclusion
Savory Bobotie Filo Parcels for a Cozy Home Meal Experience delight with their unique blend of flavors and textures. They embody warmth and comfort, making them perfect for any occasion, from family dinners to festive gatherings. With their ease of preparation and delicious taste, these parcels are sure to become a favorite in your kitchen. So gather your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and enjoy making these delightful treats! Don’t forget to share your experience or any variations you create; we would love to hear from you!
Savory Bobotie Filo Parcels
Ingredients
Method
- Soak the slice of white bread in milk until it softens, then squeeze out excess liquid and crumble it.
- In a pan, heat the vegetable oil and butter over medium heat. Sauté the onion until it becomes translucent, about 5 minutes.
- Add the garlic, carrot, and ginger, cooking for another 2-3 minutes.
- Stir in the curry powder, red chilli flakes, ground coriander, turmeric, lemon zest, and juice, cooking until fragrant (about 1 minute).
- Add the beef mince to the pan, cooking until browned.
- Mix in the crumbled bread, sultanas, chutney, chicken stock, and almond flour. Simmer for about 10 minutes.
- Preheat your oven to 200°C (390°F).
- Lay a sheet of filo pastry on a clean surface and brush it with melted butter. Layer another sheet on top, brushing it with butter as well.
- Place a generous spoonful of the bobotie filling in the center of the pastry. Fold in the sides and roll it up to create a parcel. Repeat this process with the remaining filo and filling.
- Brush each parcel with the egg wash, then sprinkle sesame seeds on top.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown and crispy.