Bunny Chow is a South African street food and it is a common one. In fact, every South African who lives in Durban area could have a bragging right to its origin.
The meal consists of a hollowed-out loaf of bread filled with a spicy curry, typically made with lamb or chicken.
As much as it comes with animal protein, vegetarian options are also available.
The origin of the name is not entirely clear, but there are a few theories.
One is that it was named after the Indian workers who used to bring their lunch to work in hollowed-out bread loaves, which resembled a bunny (a colloquial term for a person of Indian descent in South Africa).
Another theory is that it was named after a restaurant called Bunny’s, which is said to have popularised the dish.
You see, at some point in the history of South Africa, both Indian and black South Africans could not have access into many establishments.
To ensure they eat lunch without having to face the trouble of not having access into restaurants, they come with their meals.
Bunny chow came handy as a portable lunch.
Black South Africans tend to refer to the snack as a kota, which refers to the quarter loaf of bread that it is commonly made with.
Also, Bunny Chow is usually served as a takeaway food in fast-food outlets and street stalls.
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It is often eaten using your hands, with the bread acting as both a container and an edible utensil.
This popular food item in South Africa has also gained popularity in other parts of the world, particularly in the United Kingdom.
To help you get a feel of what this food is like, here is a simple recipe for making Bunny Chow:
Ingredients For Bunny Chow
- 1 large loaf of unsliced white bread
- 500g lamb or chicken (cut into small pieces)
- 1 onion (finely chopped)
- 2 cloves of garlic (finely chopped)
- 2 tomatoes (chopped)
- 1 tablespoon of curry powder
- 1 teaspoon of ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon of ground coriander
- 1 teaspoon of turmeric
- 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh coriander (chopped) for garnish
How To Prepare Bunny Chow
1. Prepare Bread
Cut off the top of the bread loaf and scoop out the inside, leaving a bread bowl or hollow.
Set aside the bread that has been scooped out to use as a lid. That is is you want to make it more appealing to the eye.
2. Heat The Oil
Pour the oil in a large saucepan and place over medium heat. Add the onions and garlic and cook until the onions are soft and translucent.
3. Add Other Spices
Add the curry powder, cumin, coriander, and turmeric, and stir for a few seconds until the spices are fragrant.
4. Add Animal Protein
Now, it is time to add the lamb or chicken. Cook until browned on all sides.
5. Add Tomatoes
You are getting close to the end of the process.
This time, add the chopped tomatoes and a cup of water and stir to combine.
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Bring to a simmer, cover the pan and cook for about 20 minutes, or until the meat is tender and the sauce has thickened.
6. Add Salt And Pepper
Depending on whether you take salt and pepper, this is the time to add them. Add to taste.
7. Fill The Bread Hollow
Scoop the curry into the bread bowl, and replace the lid if it has one. Garnish with chopped coriander, celery or any other vegetable of choice.
8. Enjoy Your Bunny chow
Serve hot with additional bread on the side, if desired.
Enjoy your homemade Bunny Chow and let us know if you love the meal.