Bunny Chow is a South African dish that has gained popularity not only in its native country but also worldwide. Originating from the Indian community in Durban, South Africa, this dish is a unique and flavorful culinary creation. Despite its name, Bunny Chow has nothing to do with bunnies; instead, it's a delicious street food made with a hollowed-out loaf of bread filled with a spicy curry. Let's dive into the recipe, serving suggestions, tips, variations, and even calorie count for this delightful dish.
Ingredients:
- 4 small loaves of white bread (unsliced)
- 500g boneless chicken or beef, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tablespoon ginger, minced
- 2 tomatoes, chopped
- 2 tablespoons curry powder
- 1 teaspoon ground turmeric
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh cilantro for garnish
Instructions:
Prepare the Bread: Slice off the top quarter of each loaf of bread and hollow out the centre, leaving a thick shell to hold the curry.
Prepare the Curry: In a large pan, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and cook until soft and translucent.
Add the minced garlic and ginger to the pan and cook for another minute until fragrant.
Add the chopped tomatoes and cook until they start to break down and release their juices.
Stir in the curry powder, turmeric, cumin, coriander, salt, and pepper. Cook the spices for a couple of minutes until they are fragrant.
Add the chicken or beef to the pan and cook until browned on all sides and cooked through.
Once the meat is cooked, spoon the curry mixture into the hollowed-out bread loaves.
Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve hot.
Tips:
- For extra heat, add chopped chilli peppers or a dash of hot sauce to the curry.
- You can customize the filling by using different proteins such as lamb, shrimp, or tofu.
- If you prefer a vegetarian version, swap the meat for mixed vegetables like potatoes, carrots, and peas.
- Bunny Chow is traditionally eaten with your hands, so be prepared for a messy but delicious experience!
Variations:
- Paneer Bunny Chow: Substitute paneer (Indian cottage cheese) for the meat and follow the same recipe.
- Seafood Bunny Chow: Use shrimp or fish instead of chicken or beef for a delicious seafood twist.
- Breakfast Bunny Chow: Fill the bread with scrambled eggs, bacon, and sautéed vegetables for a hearty breakfast version.
