Bunny Chow, often simply referred to as a “Bunny,” is a popular South African fast food dish consisting of a hollowed-out loaf of bread filled with curry. Its origins are tied to the Indian immigrant community in Durban and it has since become a beloved street food across the country. Here’s how you can make your own Bunny Chow at home.
Ingredients
For the Curry
- 500g of your choice of meat (chicken, beef, or lamb), or mixed vegetables for a vegetarian option
- 2 large onions, finely chopped
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 piece of ginger, about 2cm, grated
- 2 tablespoons of organic curry powder (adjust according to your spice preference)
- 1 teaspoon turmeric
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1 can of chopped tomatoes
- 2 potatoes, peeled and cubed
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
For the Bread
- 1 medium-sized unsliced loaf of white bread or smaller boules
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Instructions
1. Start by preparing the curry. Heat the vegetable oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add the onions and sauté until they are translucent and slightly golden.
2. Add the minced garlic and grated ginger to the pan and sauté for another minute until fragrant.
3. Add the curry powder, turmeric, ground cumin, and ground coriander to the pan, stirring well to combine with the onions, garlic, and ginger. Cook for a minute to allow the spices to release their flavors.
4. Add your choice of meat or vegetables to the pan, coating them well with the spice mixture. Cook until the meat is browned on all sides or the vegetables are slightly softened.
5. Add the canned tomatoes and cubed potatoes to the pan, stirring well. Season with salt and pepper. Reduce the heat to low, cover the pan, and let it simmer for about 30 minutes, or until the meat is cooked through and the potatoes are tender. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
6. While the curry is cooking, prepare the bread. Cut the loaf into quarters. Hollow out each quarter, leaving a thick wall and bottom to hold the curry. If you’re using boule bread, do the same and hollow it out. Save the removed bread to serve on the side.
7. Once the curry is done, ladle it generously into each hollowed-out bread quarter. Be sure to get plenty of the liquid as well; it should soak into the bread to give the Bunny Chow its distinctive flavor and texture.
8. Serve your Bunny Chow hot, with the removed bread on the side for dipping.
Remember, traditionally, Bunny Chow is eaten with hands. So, don’t be shy to dig in using your fingers. Enjoy this unique and delicious South African dish.
