Bunny Chow Recipe – South Africa's Hearty Delight

Bunny Chow is a beloved South African street food comprising a hollowed-out loaf of bread filled with spicy curry. Originating from the Indian community in Durban, it reflects the rich culinary heritage of South Africa. Often enjoyed as a quick meal or during social gatherings, Bunny Chow is a staple that showcases the country's diverse flavors.

⚡ Medium 🔥 ~450 kcal / serving

Ingredients

For the Curry:
2 lbs (900 g) beef, chicken, or lamb, cut into bite-sized pieces
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
1 large onion, finely chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
1-inch piece of ginger, grated
2 large tomatoes, chopped
2 tablespoons tomato paste
2 tablespoons curry powder
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon ground coriander
1 teaspoon ground turmeric
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon ground cardamom
1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
1 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
1 teaspoon black pepper
1-2 cups water or chicken broth
2 large potatoes, peeled and diced
1 cup peas (optional)
For the Bread:
1 large loaf of white bread (unsliced)

Instructions

Prepare the Curry

In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat.

Add the finely chopped onion and saut√© until golden brown, about 10 minutes.

Add the minced garlic and grated ginger, and cook for another minute until fragrant.

Add the meat to the pot and cook until browned on all sides.

Stir in the chopped tomatoes and tomato paste.

Add the curry powder, ground cumin, ground coriander, ground turmeric, ground cinnamon, ground cardamom, ground cloves, salt, and black pepper.

Mix well to combine and cook for about 5 minutes until the tomatoes start to break down.

Add the diced potatoes and enough water or chicken broth to cover the meat and vegetables.

Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low.

Cover and let it simmer for about 30-40 minutes, or until the meat is tender and the potatoes are cooked through.

If using, add the peas during the last 10 minutes of cooking.

Prepare the Bread

Cut the loaf of bread into quarters.

Hollow out each quarter, creating a bread bowl, and set aside the removed bread pieces.

Assemble the Bunny Chow

Fill each hollowed-out bread quarter with the prepared curry.

Place the removed bread pieces on top of the filled bread quarters.

Serve

Serve the bunny chow hot, allowing the bread to soak up the flavors of the curry.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Bunny Chow?

Bunny Chow is a South African dish made of a hollowed-out loaf of bread filled with curry. It's a perfect blend of bread and spicy meat or vegetable stew.

Where does Bunny Chow come from?

Bunny Chow originated in the Indian community of Durban, South Africa, as a convenient way to serve curry.

What are the main ingredients in Bunny Chow?

Key ingredients include beef, chicken or lamb, onions, garlic, ginger, tomatoes, and bread.

How long does Bunny Chow take to make?

Bunny Chow takes approximately 60-80 minutes to prepare and cook.

What do you serve with Bunny Chow?

Bunny Chow is often served with a side of sambals, such as chopped onions and chili, or a fresh salad.

Bunny Chow