Bunny Chow, a proudly South African street food with Indian roots, is a delicious and hearty dish that consists of a hollowed-out loaf of bread filled with a rich and aromatic curry. Originally from Durban, Bunny Chow is enjoyed across the country and is perfect for those who love bold flavors.
Ingredients:
For the Curry:
- 1 kg boneless chicken, lamb, beef, or beans (for a vegetarian option)
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 2 tomatoes, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon ginger, grated
- 2 tablespoons curry powder (Durban-style)
- 1 teaspoon garam masala
- 1 teaspoon turmeric
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1 teaspoon chili powder (adjust to taste)
- 2 large potatoes, peeled and diced
- 1 cup chicken or vegetable stock
- 1 cup coconut milk (optional for a creamier curry)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh coriander for garnish
For the Bunny Chow:
- 1 unsliced white bread loaf (medium or large, depending on servings)
- Fresh sambals (grated carrot, chopped onions, and chilies with a squeeze of lemon juice)
Instructions:
Step 1: Prepare the Curry
- Heat oil in a large pot over medium heat.
- Add chopped onions and sauté until golden brown.
- Stir in garlic and ginger, cooking for about a minute until fragrant.
- Add curry powder, garam masala, turmeric, cumin, coriander, and chili powder. Stir well to coat the onions in the spices.
- Add the tomatoes and cook until they break down into a thick sauce.
- Add the meat or beans, stirring to coat them in the spice mixture.
- Pour in the stock and let simmer for 15 minutes.
- Add the diced potatoes and cook until tender, about 20 minutes.
- Stir in coconut milk (if using) and season with salt and pepper.
- Simmer for an additional 5 minutes until the curry thickens.
Step 2: Prepare the Bread
- Cut the loaf of bread into halves or quarters, depending on portion size.
- Hollow out the center of each bread piece, creating a “bowl.” (Keep the bread you remove to use as a dipping piece.)
Step 3: Assemble the Bunny Chow
- Fill the hollowed-out bread with the hot curry.
- Garnish with fresh coriander.
- Serve with sambals on the side and the bread top for dipping.
Step 4: Enjoy!
Eat the Bunny Chow using your hands—no utensils needed! The best way to enjoy it is to scoop up the curry with the bread while savoring every spicy, flavorful bite.
Tips for the Perfect Bunny Chow:
- Use fresh spices to enhance the flavor of the curry.
- Adjust the heat by adding more or less chili powder.
- Let the curry sit for a while before serving—it tastes even better the next day!
Bunny Chow is a unique and satisfying meal that brings people together over its rich, comforting flavors. Give it a try, and experience a true taste of Durban!