How to Make Authentic South African-indian Bunny Chow at Home

Posted on

Private Dining & Events

Difficulty

Prep time

Cooking time

Total time

Servings

Bunny Chow is a popular street food originating from the Indian community in South Africa, particularly in Durban. It is a comforting dish consisting of a hollowed-out loaf of bread filled with spicy curry. Making authentic Bunny Chow at home allows you to enjoy this flavorful experience anytime. Here’s how to prepare it step-by-step.

Ingredients You Will Need

  • 1 large loaf of white bread (preferably a round loaf)
  • 500g chicken or beef curry (preferably homemade or store-bought)
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
  • 1 large onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon ginger, grated
  • 2 tablespoons curry powder
  • 1 teaspoon turmeric
  • 1 teaspoon cumin
  • 1 can chopped tomatoes
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Fresh coriander for garnish (optional)

Preparing the Curry

Start by heating the vegetable oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and sauté until translucent. Stir in the garlic and ginger, cooking for another minute. Add the curry powder, turmeric, and cumin, stirring well to release their aromas. Pour in the chopped tomatoes and cook for 10 minutes, allowing the mixture to thicken. Add your choice of chicken or beef, season with salt and pepper, and simmer until the meat is tender and flavors meld. This typically takes about 30-40 minutes. Adjust seasoning as needed.

Assembling the Bunny Chow

While the curry simmers, prepare the bread. Cut the loaf in half or into quarters, depending on size. Hollow out the bread carefully, leaving about an inch of bread around the edges to hold the curry. Fill the hollowed-out bread with the hot curry, ensuring it is generously packed. Place the filled bread on a plate, garnish with fresh coriander if desired, and serve immediately. For an authentic experience, enjoy it with your hands, scooping out the curry with pieces of bread.

Tips for Success

  • Use a dense bread loaf to prevent it from falling apart.
  • Make the curry spicy according to your taste; traditional Bunny Chow is quite hot.
  • Prepare the curry a day in advance for deeper flavor.
  • Serve with a side of pickles or a simple salad for balance.

Enjoy making this authentic South African-Indian Bunny Chow at home and bring a taste of Durban’s vibrant street food culture to your kitchen!

Tags:

You might also like these recipes