Bunny Chow Brekhvatt

Bunny Chow Brekhvatt is a delightful South African dish with roots in Durban's vibrant Indian community. Traditionally, Bunny Chow consists of a hollowed-out loaf of bread filled with a spicy curry. Brekhvatt transforms this experience by incorporating a breakfast twist, perfect for morning indulgence. This fusion of flavors is a testament to the cultural melting pot that is South Africa.

History of Bunny Chow Brekhvatt

The original Bunny Chow was invented in the 1940s in Durban, South Africa, to accommodate Indian laborers who needed a portable and hearty meal. The dish grew in popularity and quickly became a staple in South African culture. The name 'Bunny' is believed to be derived from 'Bania', an Indian caste primarily involved in the trade. Over the years, variations like the Bunny Chow Brekhvatt emerged, showcasing the endless adaptability of this beloved dish.

Ingredients

• Bread (a loaf for every 2 servings)
• Eggs (4 large)
• Onion (1 large, diced)
• Tomato (1 large, diced)
• Potatoes (2 medium, diced)
• Curry powder (2 tablespoons)
• Garlic (2 cloves, minced)
• Ginger (1 inch, minced)
• Oil (2 tablespoons)
• Salt (to taste)
• Pepper (to taste)
• Cilantro (a few sprigs, chopped)
• Green chili (1, chopped)

Preparation

Before you start cooking, ensure you have all the ingredients ready. This will make the process smoother and more enjoyable. Thoroughly wash the potatoes, tomato, and cilantro. Dice the onion and tomato, peel and dice the potatoes, mince the garlic and ginger, and chop the green chili.

Preparing the Bread

1. Take a loaf of bread and cut it into halves. Hollow out each half, leaving about an inch of bread lining on all sides. This creates a bowl to hold the curry.
2. Save the removed bread pieces for dipping later.

Cooking Process

Making the Breakfast Curry

1. Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
2. Add the onion and sauté until it becomes translucent.
3. Stir in the garlic and ginger, cooking for an additional minute until fragrant.
4. Add the curry powder, stirring well to coat the sautéed mixture.
5. Toss in the tomato and cook until it softens.
6. Add the diced potatoes and green chili, mixing everything thoroughly.
7. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
8. Cover the skillet and let it simmer until the potatoes are tender, about 15-20 minutes. Stir occasionally and add a small amount of water if needed to keep the mixture from sticking.

Scrambled Eggs

1. In a separate pan, heat a small amount of oil.
2. Break the eggs into a bowl, season with salt and pepper, and beat well.
3. Pour the eggs into the pan, stirring slowly as they cook to create fluffy scrambled eggs.
4. Once cooked, add the scrambled eggs to the curry mixture, stirring gently to combine.

Assembling the Bunny Chow Brekhvatt

Once the curry and scrambled eggs are ready, it's time to assemble the Bunny Chow Brekhvatt:

1. Take the hollowed-out bread halves.
2. Fill each half with the curry mixture generously, allowing the savory curry to soak into the bread lining.
3. Garnish the top with chopped cilantro for a burst of fresh flavor.
4. Serve immediately while hot, with the removed bread pieces on the side for dipping.

Enjoying Bunny Chow Brekhvatt

Bunny Chow Brekhvatt is best enjoyed hot, straight from the loaf. The combination of spicy curry and soft bread creates a comforting yet vibrant flavor experience. For an authentic touch, eat with your hands and savor every bite. This dish pairs well with a cup of chai or coffee, enhancing the breakfast vibes. Invite friends or family over for this unique meal and enjoy the fusion of flavors together.

Remember to set a cooking timer to ensure the curry is perfectly simmered and the eggs are fluffy. This dish not only provides a hearty start to the day but also serves as a conversation starter with its rich history and distinctive combination of breakfast ingredients in a classic South African format.