Pre-heat oven at 350 deg F/180 deg Celsius.
In a medium bowl, mix together milk and bread to soften it. Set aside.
Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish, or a cast iron.
Heat up a large saucepan or large skillet over medium heat,then add butter until melted, followed by onions and garlic. Saute for about 3 minutes just until soft and fragrant.
Next stir in the spices: curry powder, turmeric, ground cumin, coriander and dried herbs.
Add ground beef and herbs stirring constantly to break it up, cook until beef is no longer pink or slightly brown. Remove from the stove.
Add to a bowl, followed by bread mixture, chutney, grated apple, lemon juice and zest, and Worcestershire – add raisins here, if desired. Season to taste with salt and pepper.
Add beef mixture into greased casserole dish or cast iron pan. I used a 10 inch pan. Using a spoon press the beef mixture down. This helps keep the eggs mixture afloat and forms a nice custardy top when baked,
Bake in the oven for around 40-50 minutes.
While bobotie is baking, mix together eggs, cream , milk and a ¼ teaspoon of turmeric .
Take the meat out of the oven, pour the eggs mixture over the beef. Arrange the bay leaves on top of it .
Bake for another 20 minutes (start checking after 15 minutes ) or until the eggs mixture has set.
Remove and let it rest for a few minutes then serve with yellow rice and vegetables.