South African Bunny Chow: A Unique and Flavorful Street Food

South African Bunny Chow is a unique and flavorful street food that has its origins in Durban, South Africa. It consists of a hollowed-out loaf of bread filled with a delicious curry, creating a portable and hearty meal. Bunny Chow is popular among locals and visitors alike, and it’s a must-try when exploring South African cuisine. Let’s dive into the world of Bunny Chow and discover its distinctive flavors.

Ingredients:

• 4 small to medium-sized round loaves of bread (white or whole wheat)
• 500 grams of boneless chicken, beef, lamb, or vegetables (diced)
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves of garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons curry powder (adjust to your spice preference)
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon ground coriander
• 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 can (400 grams) diced tomatoes
• 1 cup vegetable or chicken broth
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh coriander leaves for garnish (optional)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the bread:
   • Take each loaf of bread and carefully cut out a square or rectangle from the top, creating a lid. Set aside the lids.
   • Hollow out the center of the bread loaf, removing the soft bread and creating a cavity to hold the curry filling. Save the scooped-out bread for dipping or as an accompaniment.
2. Prepare the curry filling:
   • Heat the vegetable oil in a large pan or pot over medium heat.
   • Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, sautéing until they become translucent and fragrant.
   • Add the diced meat or vegetables to the pan and cook until they are browned on all sides.
   • Sprinkle the curry powder, ground cumin, ground coriander, turmeric powder, and paprika over the meat or vegetables. Stir well to coat them evenly with the spices.
   • Pour in the diced tomatoes and vegetable or chicken broth. Stir everything together, ensuring the meat or vegetables are well combined with the sauce.
   • Season with salt and pepper to taste.
   • Reduce the heat to low, cover the pan, and let the curry simmer for about 20-30 minutes, or until the meat is tender and the flavors have melded together.
3. Assemble the Bunny Chow:
   • Spoon the prepared curry filling into the hollowed-out bread loaves, filling them generously.
   • Place the bread lids on top of each filled loaf, pressing gently to secure them in place.
   • If desired, garnish with fresh coriander leaves for added freshness and flavor.
4. Serve and enjoy:
   • Bunny Chow is traditionally eaten with your hands, so hold the loaf firmly and dig in.
   • You can break off pieces of the bread walls and use them to scoop up the curry filling or simply enjoy it as a standalone dish.

South African Bunny Chow is a delightful combination of flavors, with the curry infusing the bread with its aromatic spices. The bread absorbs the rich and hearty curry, creating a unique and satisfying eating experience. Whether you opt for a chicken, beef, lamb, or vegetable filling, Bunny Chow is a street food favorite that showcases the diversity and culinary creativity of South African cuisine.