Bunny Chow, a culinary gem from South Africa, combines flavorful curry with a unique presentation: served in a hollowed-out loaf of bread. This dish, which originated in the Indian community of Durban, is a delightful fusion of cultures and flavors. Making mutton curry bunny chow at home allows you to experience this delicious street food in your own kitchen.
Ingredients
To prepare mutton curry bunny chow, you will need:
- 1 kg mutton, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 large onions, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon ginger, grated
- 3 tomatoes, chopped
- 2 potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil
- 1 tablespoon curry powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1 teaspoon turmeric
- 1 teaspoon chili powder (adjust to taste)
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 4 whole cloves
- 4 cardamom pods
- 1 bay leaf
- Salt to taste
- 1 cup beef or chicken broth
- Fresh cilantro for garnish
- 2 small loaves of white bread
Preparation Steps
Prepare the Mutton:
- Clean the mutton pieces and pat them dry with paper towels.
- Season the mutton with salt and set aside.
Cook the Aromatics:
- In a large pot, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat.
- Add the cinnamon stick, cloves, cardamom pods, and bay leaf. Sauté for a minute until fragrant.
- Add the chopped onions and cook until they are golden brown, stirring occasionally.
Build the Curry Base:
- Add the minced garlic and grated ginger to the pot. Sauté for an additional 2 minutes.
- Stir in the curry powder, ground cumin, ground coriander, turmeric, and chili powder. Cook for another minute to release the spices’ aromas.
Add the Mutton:
- Increase the heat to medium-high and add the mutton pieces to the pot.
- Cook the mutton until it is browned on all sides, ensuring the spices coat the meat evenly.
Incorporate Tomatoes and Potatoes:
- Add the chopped tomatoes to the pot and cook until they break down and form a thick sauce.
- Add the cubed potatoes and mix well to combine with the mutton and tomato mixture.
Simmer the Curry:
- Pour in the beef or chicken broth, ensuring the liquid covers the meat and potatoes. Add more water if necessary.
- Bring the curry to a boil, then reduce the heat to low.
- Cover the pot and let it simmer for about 45 minutes to an hour, or until the mutton is tender and the potatoes are cooked through. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.
Prepare the Bread:
- While the curry is simmering, prepare the bread loaves.
- Cut each loaf in half and hollow out the center, creating a “bowl” for the curry. Set aside the removed bread pieces.
Assemble the Bunny Chow:
- Once the curry is ready, season it with additional salt if needed.
- Spoon the mutton curry into the hollowed-out bread halves, filling them generously.
- Garnish with fresh cilantro.
Serve:
- Serve the bunny chow immediately, accompanied by the reserved bread pieces for dipping and scooping up the curry.
- Enjoy the dish with your hands, as traditionally intended, savoring the combination of the spicy mutton curry and the soft, absorbent bread.
Cultural Significance
Bunny Chow, affectionately known as “Bunny,” is more than just a meal; it’s a symbol of Durban’s multicultural history. Originally devised as a convenient way for Indian laborers to carry their meals, it has become a beloved street food enjoyed by all communities in South Africa. Its name is believed to be derived from “Bania,” an Indian merchant caste, and “Chow,” slang for food.
Making mutton curry bunny chow at home is a rewarding culinary adventure that brings a taste of South African street food to your kitchen. The rich, spicy mutton curry paired with the unique bread bowl creates a dish that is both comforting and exciting. Whether you’re familiar with Bunny Chow or discovering it for the first time, this recipe is sure to become a favorite. Enjoy the flavors, and embrace the tradition of eating with your hands for an authentic experience.
