South African cuisine is as diverse as its people. Its rich, flavorful dishes are steeped in history and culture.

One such dish is Bobotie. It’s a spiced meat casserole topped with a savoury custard.

It’s often made with ground meat. Today, we are recreating it with a vegan twist: Lentil Bobotie Recipe.

It’s packed with plant-based protein and aromatic spices. This version is equally hearty and satisfying.

Why Lentils?

Unsplash/Chandan Chaurasia

Lentils are nutritious, providing high protein, fibre, and iron. Their earthy flavour and meaty texture make them an excellent substitute for ground meat in this recipe.

Plus, lentils absorb spices beautifully, ensuring every bite is flavorful.

Ingredients

For the filling:

• One tablespoon of olive oil (or water for oil-free cooking)
• One onion, finely chopped
• Two garlic cloves, minced
• 1 cup dried lentils (brown or green), cooked
• One carrot, grated
• 1/2 cup raisins (optional for a sweet touch)
• Two tablespoons of mango chutney
• One tablespoon of curry powder
• One teaspoon of turmeric
• One teaspoon of ground cumin
• One teaspoon of smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• Salt and black pepper to taste.

For the custard topping:

• 1 cup unsweetened plant-based milk
• Two tablespoons chickpea flour (or all-purpose flour)
• 1/4 teaspoon turmeric
• A pinch of salt
• Bay leaves for garnish.

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Filling

1. Olive oil to be heated in a large shallow pan over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic, sautéing until translucent.
2. Stir in the spices: curry powder, turmeric, cumin, paprika, and cinnamon. Cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
3. Add the grated carrot, cooked lentils, raisins, and mango chutney. Stir well to combine, ensuring the lentils are evenly coated with the spices.
4. Sprinkle salt and black pepper to your liking. Take the mixture off the heat and put it into a baking dish.

Step 2: Make the Custard Topping

1. Before you start cooking, make sure to preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Whisk together the plant-based milk, chickpea flour, turmeric, and a pinch of salt until smooth.
3. Pour the custard mixture over the lentil filling, spreading it evenly. Place a few bay leaves on top for garnish.

Step 3: Bake and Serve

1. Bake the Bobotie in the oven for 25-30 minutes or until the topping is golden.
2. Remove the bay leaves before serving.

For a complete meal, serve your Vegan Lentil Bobotie with rice, a salad, or steamed veggies.

The Perfect Comfort Food

This Vegan Lentil Bobotie is more than a meal. It celebrates flavour, culture, and creativity. Whether vegan or just curious about plant-based dishes, this recipe will impress.