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:
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
