๐ Bunny Chow Recipe (South African Curry in Bread)
"Learn how to make Bunny Chow – South Africa’s famous street food of curry served in a hollowed-out loaf of bread. Authentic Durban-style recipe with serving suggestions and FAQs."
⭐ Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Authentic Durban street food ๐ฟ๐ฆ
- Comforting curry served in bread – no plates needed
- Versatile: can be made with meat, chicken, or vegetarian filling
- Great for parties, game nights, or family dinners
๐ฅ Ingredients
- 1 large white loaf of bread (unsliced)
- 500g chicken (or lamb, beef, or mixed vegetables), cubed
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp ginger paste
- 2 tomatoes, chopped
- 2 tbsp curry powder (Durban curry powder if available)
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp ground coriander
- ½ tsp turmeric
- 2 green chilies, chopped
- 1 cup chicken stock or water
- Fresh coriander leaves, chopped (for garnish)
- Salt to taste
๐ฉ๐ณ Instructions
1. Make the Curry
- Heat oil in a large pan.
- Sautรฉ onion, garlic, and ginger until fragrant.
- Add curry powder, cumin, coriander, turmeric, and chilies. Cook for 1 minute.
- Stir in chicken (or chosen protein) and brown lightly.
- Add tomatoes and cook until softened.
- Pour in stock, season with salt, and simmer until curry thickens.
2. Prepare the Bread
- Cut a loaf of bread into quarters.
- Hollow out the center of each piece, keeping the bread walls thick enough to hold curry.
- Save the scooped-out bread for dipping.
3. Assemble Bunny Chow
- Fill each bread “bowl” with hot curry.
- Garnish with fresh coriander.
- Serve with extra bread on the side.
๐ด Serving Suggestions
- Serve with pickled vegetables or sambals for an authentic Durban experience.
- Pair with a side of South African yellow rice or pap.
- Add a dollop of plain yogurt to balance the spiciness.
- Enjoy with cold beer or rooibos iced tea.
❄️ Storage Tips
- The curry can be made ahead and refrigerated for up to 3 days.
- Store bread separately; assemble Bunny Chow just before serving to keep it from getting soggy.
❓ FAQs About Bunny Chow
1. Why is it called Bunny Chow?
It’s believed to have originated from Indian “bania” merchants in Durban, who served curry in bread for easy takeaway.
2. What bread is best for Bunny Chow?
A soft white loaf (unsliced) works best since it’s easy to hollow out and holds curry well.
3. Can I make vegetarian Bunny Chow?
Yes! Use beans, chickpeas, or mixed vegetables instead of meat.
4. How spicy is Bunny Chow?
Traditionally, it’s quite spicy, but you can adjust the heat by using fewer chilies or a mild curry powder.
5. Is Bunny Chow eaten with cutlery?
No – the fun is eating it with your hands, tearing bread and dipping it in the curry!
๐ Similar Recipes You’ll Love
- ๐ฟ๐ฆ Bobotie (South African Curried Meat Casserole)
- ๐ฟ๐ฆ Chakalaka (Spicy Vegetable Relish)
- ๐ฟ๐ฆ Durban Chicken Curry
- ๐ฟ๐ฆ Vetkoek (South African Fried Bread)
- ๐ฎ๐ณ Indian Chicken Curry – the inspiration behind Bunny Chow
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