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Flavorful Bunny Chow Recipe Easy Authentic South African Curry Bread Guide

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An authentic South African Bunny Chow recipe featuring a flavorful, spiced curry served inside a hollowed-out crusty bread loaf. This comforting dish is quick to prepare and perfect for family meals or gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 large white bread loaf (unsliced, crusty on outside, soft inside)
  • 1 lb (450g) beef or lamb, cut into bite-sized pieces (or chicken or plant-based substitute)
  • 2 medium onions, finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1-inch piece fresh ginger, grated
  • 2 medium tomatoes, diced (or 1 cup canned tomatoes)
  • 1 small green chili, finely chopped (adjust to heat preference)
  • 2 tsp curry powder (preferably Durban-style blend)
  • 1 tsp turmeric powder
  • 1 tsp ground coriander
  • 1/2 tsp cumin
  • 1/2 tsp chili powder (optional)
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 2 tbsp vegetable or sunflower oil
  • 1 cup (240ml) water or broth (beef or vegetable broth preferred)
  • A handful fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Chop onions, mince garlic, grate ginger, dice tomatoes, and cut meat into bite-sized pieces (10-15 minutes).
  2. Heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil in a large heavy-bottomed skillet or saucepan over medium heat until shimmering.
  3. Add onions and cook for 5-7 minutes until soft and translucent. Stir in garlic, ginger, and green chili; cook for another 2 minutes until fragrant.
  4. Increase heat to medium-high and brown the meat pieces on all sides for about 5-8 minutes.
  5. Sprinkle in curry powder, turmeric, coriander, cumin, chili powder, salt, and black pepper. Stir well and toast spices for 1-2 minutes.
  6. Add diced tomatoes and 1 cup (240ml) water or broth. Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat to low.
  7. Cover and simmer gently for about 30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until meat is tender and sauce thickens. Add more water if too thick.
  8. While curry simmers, cut the top off the bread loaf and hollow out the soft center, leaving a sturdy shell.
  9. Spoon hot curry into the hollowed bread loaf, filling generously. Garnish with chopped cilantro.
  10. Optional: Place filled loaf on a baking tray and warm in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 5-7 minutes for a crispy crust.
  11. Serve hot, using a fork or hands for the classic Bunny Chow experience.

Notes

Avoid burning spices by lowering heat when adding them. Use fresh ginger and garlic for best flavor. Hollow bread carefully to avoid tearing crust. Curry tastes better the next day after flavors meld. Adjust chili to preferred spice level. Store curry and bread separately to prevent sogginess. Freeze curry only, not assembled Bunny Chow.

Nutrition

Keywords: Bunny Chow, South African curry, curry bread, easy curry recipe, Durban curry, street food, comfort food, spicy curry, bread bowl

Find it online: https://emmaoven.com/flavorful-bunny-chow-recipe-easy-authentic-south-african-curry-bread-guide/