How to Make the Best Bunny Chow: A Delicious South African Street Food

Introduction

Bunny Chow, a delicious and iconic South African street food, has captured the hearts of many food lovers around the world. Originating from Durban, Bunny Chow is a hollowed-out loaf of bread filled with a spicy curry, typically made with chicken, lamb, or beans. This hearty dish is not only flavorful but also easy to make at home. In this comprehensive guide, we will walk you through the steps to create the best Bunny Chow, from selecting the right ingredients to serving it up like a pro.

History of Bunny Chow

Before diving into the recipe, let’s take a brief look at the history of Bunny Chow. The dish dates back to the 1940s in Durban, South Africa. It was created by Indian immigrants who worked in the sugarcane plantations. Bunny Chow was a practical way to serve curry, using bread as a convenient and edible container. The name “Bunny” is believed to be derived from the term “bania,” which referred to an Indian merchant class.

Ingredients

To make the perfect Bunny Chow, you will need the following ingredients:

For the Curry:

• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 large onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1-inch piece of ginger, minced
• 2-3 fresh green chilies, chopped (optional)
• 2 tablespoons curry powder (medium to hot)
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon ground coriander
• 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
• 1 teaspoon garam masala
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 2 large tomatoes, chopped
• 1 can (400g) chopped tomatoes
• 2 large potatoes, peeled and cubed
• 500g chicken, lamb, or beef, cut into bite-sized pieces (or use beans for a vegetarian option)
• 1 cup water or chicken broth
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh coriander leaves for garnish

For the Bread:

• 2 large loaves of white bread (unsliced)
• Butter (optional, for spreading inside the bread)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients

1. Chop and Dice: Start by finely chopping the onion, garlic, and ginger. Peel and cube the potatoes, and chop the tomatoes.
2. Prepare the Meat or Beans: If using meat, cut it into bite-sized pieces. If using beans, rinse and drain them.

Step 2: Cook the Curry

1. Heat the Oil: In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat.
2. Sauté the Aromatics: Add the chopped onions and sauté until they become translucent and slightly golden, about 5-7 minutes. Add the minced garlic, ginger, and green chilies (if using), and sauté for another 2 minutes until fragrant.
3. Add the Spices: Stir in the curry powder, ground cumin, ground coriander, turmeric powder, garam masala, and paprika. Cook for 1-2 minutes, allowing the spices to bloom and release their flavors.
4. Add the Tomatoes: Add the chopped fresh tomatoes and the canned tomatoes to the pot. Stir well to combine and let it simmer for about 10 minutes until the tomatoes break down and the mixture thickens.
5. Cook the Meat or Beans: Add the cubed meat (or beans) to the pot and stir to coat them in the tomato-spice mixture. Cook for about 5 minutes to brown the meat slightly.
6. Add Potatoes and Liquid: Add the cubed potatoes to the pot and pour in the water or chicken broth. Stir to combine, then cover and let it simmer for about 30-40 minutes, or until the meat is tender and the potatoes are cooked through. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Step 3: Prepare the Bread

1. Hollow Out the Loaves: While the curry is simmering, prepare the bread. Cut each loaf of bread in half or into quarters, depending on the desired serving size. Using your hands or a spoon, hollow out the center of each bread piece, leaving a thick crust to hold the curry. Set the hollowed-out bread pieces aside.
2. Optional Butter Spread: If you like, spread a thin layer of butter inside the hollowed-out bread pieces. This adds extra flavor and prevents the bread from becoming too soggy.

Step 4: Assemble the Bunny Chow

1. Fill the Bread: Once the curry is ready, remove it from the heat and let it cool slightly. Fill each hollowed-out bread piece generously with the curry, making sure to include chunks of meat, potatoes, and plenty of sauce.
2. Garnish: Garnish the Bunny Chow with fresh coriander leaves for a burst of color and freshness.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Bunny Chow is best enjoyed hot and fresh. Serve it with the hollowed-out bread pieces on the side, which can be used to scoop up the curry. You can also add a side of chutney or pickles for an extra kick.

Tips for the Best Bunny Chow

1. Use Fresh Spices: Freshly ground spices will give your curry a more vibrant and robust flavor. If possible, grind your own spices or buy small quantities from a spice shop.
2. Adjust the Heat: Bunny Chow can be as mild or as spicy as you like. Adjust the number of green chilies and the amount of curry powder to suit your taste.
3. Simmer Slowly: Allowing the curry to simmer slowly helps the flavors to meld together and develop a rich depth of flavor. Don’t rush this step.
4. Choose the Right Bread: The bread you use should have a thick, sturdy crust to hold the curry without falling apart. Fresh white bread works best, but you can also use whole wheat or brown bread if you prefer.
5. Experiment with Fillings: While chicken, lamb, and beans are traditional fillings, don’t be afraid to experiment with other ingredients like seafood, vegetables, or lentils.

Variations of Bunny Chow

Bunny Chow is a versatile dish, and there are many ways to customize it to your liking. Here are a few variations to try:

1. Vegetarian Bunny Chow

• Replace the meat with a mix of your favorite vegetables, such as carrots, peas, and bell peppers. Add beans or lentils for extra protein.

2. Seafood Bunny Chow

• Use shrimp, fish, or a mix of seafood in place of the meat. Cook the seafood until just tender to avoid overcooking.

3. Spicy Bunny Chow

• Increase the number of green chilies and add a few teaspoons of hot chili powder to the curry for an extra spicy kick.

4. Creamy Bunny Chow

• Add a splash of coconut milk or heavy cream to the curry for a rich and creamy texture.

The Cultural Significance of Bunny Chow

Bunny Chow is more than just a meal; it’s a cultural icon in South Africa. It represents the blending of Indian and African culinary traditions and the resourcefulness of the Indian community in Durban. Today, Bunny Chow is enjoyed by people of all backgrounds and has become a symbol of South Africa’s diverse and vibrant food culture.

Serving Suggestions

Bunny Chow is a hearty and filling dish that can be enjoyed on its own or with a few simple sides. Here are some serving suggestions:

• Chutney or Pickles: A side of tangy chutney or spicy pickles complements the rich flavors of the curry.
• Fresh Salad: A fresh salad with tomatoes, cucumbers, and onions adds a refreshing contrast to the hearty curry.
• Yogurt: A dollop of plain yogurt can help cool down the spiciness of the curry.

Conclusion

Bunny Chow is a delicious and satisfying dish that brings the flavors of South Africa to your table. With its rich history, bold spices, and hearty ingredients, it’s no wonder that Bunny Chow has become a favorite among food lovers around the world. By following this guide, you can make the best Bunny Chow at home and enjoy a taste of South African street food. Happy cooking!