Bunny Chow Bun Bites
Originating from Durban, South Africa, Bunny Chow is a spicy and flavorful street food traditionally consisting of a hollowed-out loaf of bread filled with curry. Originally known for its practicality and deliciousness among Indian laborers in the 1940s, this dish has transcended its economic roots and has become a staple of South African cuisine. The Bunny Chow Bun Bites are a modern twist on this classic dish, perfect for parties and gatherings.
Ingredients
- Mini Bread Buns
- Chicken Breast
- Onion
- Garlic Cloves
- Curry Powder
- Turmeric
- Cumin
- Tomato Paste
- Coconut Milk
- Ginger
- Cilantro
- Salt
- Black Pepper
- Olive Oil
- Green Chilies
Preparation
1. Preparing the Buns
Take the Mini Bread Buns and gently hollow out the center, ensuring you leave enough bread to hold your curry without breaking. Set the removed bread pieces aside; they can be used later as dippers.
2. Marinating the Chicken
Dice the Chicken Breast into small, bite-sized pieces. In a bowl, mix the chicken with a teaspoon of Curry Powder, a pinch of Turmeric, a teaspoon of Cumin, and a tablespoon of Olive Oil. Let it marinate for at least 30 minutes in the refrigerator.
Cooking Process
1. Making the Curry
In a large saucepan, heat some Olive Oil over medium heat. Add finely chopped Onion, minced Garlic Cloves, and Ginger. Sauté until the onions are golden brown.
Add the marinated Chicken to the pan and cook until it's lightly browned.
Stir in a tablespoon of Tomato Paste and pour in a cup of Coconut Milk. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
Add finely chopped Green Chilies to taste, along with a pinch of Salt and Black Pepper. Let it cook for about 20 minutes or until the Chicken is tender and the sauce thickens.
2. Filling the Buns
Once the curry is ready, use a spoon to fill each hollowed Mini Bread Bun generously with the chicken curry mixture.
3. Cooking Time
If you're curious about managing your time, use a cooking timer to keep track of each step efficiently.
Serving Bunny Chow Bun Bites
Garnish the filled buns with freshly chopped Cilantro. Serve with the extra bread pieces on the side for additional dipping.
These Bunny Chow Bun Bites can be enjoyed both warm or at room temperature, making them versatile for different settings.
Pair them with a cold drink or an authentic South African Rooibos tea for an enhanced experience.
Enjoying the Meal
Experience the explosion of flavors as the warm curry melds with the soft, absorbent bread. The aromatic spices combined with the richness of Coconut Milk offer a journey of taste right from your first bite.
Ideal for gatherings, parties, or a simple meal at home, these bun bites will surely impress your guests or family with their unique approach to a traditional dish.