Bunny Chow

Introduction to Bunny Chow

Bunny Chow is a South African street food dish that originated from the Indian community in the city of Durban. This delightful meal is traditionally a spicy curry served inside a hollowed-out loaf of white bread. Despite its curious name, it contains no rabbit meat; the term "bunny" is a colloquial shortening of "bania," referring to an Indian merchant caste that popularized the dish. Originally a way for Indian laborers to carry their lunches conveniently, Bunny Chow has become a favorite dish enjoyed by people of all backgrounds across South Africa.

Ingredients

• Loaf of bread (preferably unsliced white bread)
• Chicken (or lamb, beef, or vegetarian alternatives like chickpeas)
• Onions
• Tomatoes
• Curry powder
• Turmeric
• Garam masala
• Garlic
• Ginger
• Chili powder
• Coriander (fresh and ground)
• Cumin
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Bay leaves
• Potatoes
• Vegetable oil
• Water

Preparation

Preparing the Curry

1. Start by heating some oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add chopped onions and bay leaves; sauté until the onions are golden brown.
2. Add minced garlic and ginger, followed by diced tomatoes. Cook until the tomatoes are soft.
3. Stir in curry powder, turmeric, chili powder, ground coriander, cumin, and garam masala. Cook for about 2 minutes to release the flavors.
4. Add your choice of protein - chicken, lamb, beef, or chickpeas for a vegetarian version. Stir well to coat the meat or vegetables with the spices.
5. Add peeled and diced potatoes. Pour in water until the ingredients are just submerged. Season with salt and black pepper.
6. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer. Cover the pot and cook until the meat is tender and the potatoes are cooked through. This should take about 30-40 minutes depending on your choice of protein. Remember to occasionally stir and check if more water is needed to prevent burning.

Preparing the Bread

1. Take a loaf of white bread and cut it into halves or quarters, depending on serving size.
2. Hollow out the center of each bread piece to create a bread bowl while leaving a thick edge to hold the curry. The removed bread can be used for dipping later.

Cooking Process

Make sure you keep an eye on the cooking timer to time the curry appropriately. Adjust the spiciness of the curry to your taste by varying the chili powder. Stir frequently and taste often, ensuring the flavors meld perfectly.

How to Serve Bunny Chow

To serve the Bunny Chow, ladle the cooked curry into the hollowed-out bread loaf. Garnish with fresh coriander leaves for a splash of color and additional flavor. The dish is traditionally eaten using your hands, starting with the bread from the top. This adds to the experience as you enjoy the combination of spiced curry and soft bread blend together. Don’t forget the additional bread chunks on the side for dipping into that flavorful curry.

Enjoying Bunny Chow

Enjoy your Bunny Chow while fresh and hot. It’s a communal dish often shared among friends and family, perfect for a casual lunch or a spicy dinner. Pair it with a cooling side dish like a cucumber raita or a glass of cold lassi to balance the heat. Whether eaten on the streets of Durban or in the comfort of your home, Bunny Chow is a flavorful adventure rich in history and taste.