South Africa is known for its rich culinary heritage that blends influences from all over the world. Combining influences from India and the UK, South Africa has developed its own unique cuisine, including one of its most popular dishes: Bunny Chow Curry. In South Africa, it’s also known as Bunny Chow, or Kota, and it’s a hearty and flavorful dish that’s sure to become a favorite in your kitchen.
What is Bunny Chow Curry?
Bunny Chow Curry is a traditional South African dish made with a spiced curry sauce and a variety of fillings such as vegetables, beans, and potatoes. The main component of this meal is the curry sauce, which is made from a combination of spices such as curry powder, cumin, turmeric, and chili powder. The sauce is then cooked until thick and creamy, and the fillings are added to the mix just before serving.
Bunny Chow Curry is typically served in a hollowed-out bread loaf, although it can be served over rice or any other type of starch. It’s a delicious and hearty dish that’s perfect for a cold winter’s day, and it’s sure to become a favorite among the whole family.
What You Need to Make Bunny Chow Curry
Making Bunny Chow Curry is simple, but you will need to gather a few ingredients first. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon ground turmeric
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon garam masala
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger
- 2 cups vegetable stock
- 1 can chopped tomatoes
- 1 can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup frozen peas
- 1 large sweet potato, peeled and diced
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 loaf of bread, cut in half and hollowed out
Once you’ve gathered all of your ingredients, you’re ready to get started!
How to Make Bunny Chow Curry
Making this South African classic is easy—all you need to do is combine all of your ingredients and let them simmer until everything is cooked through and the flavors have melded together. Here’s the step-by-step guide on how to make Bunny Chow Curry:
- Step 1: Heat a large pot over medium heat and add the diced onions and minced garlic. Cook, stirring frequently, until the onions are softened and fragrant, about 5 minutes.
- Step 2: Add the spices and stir to combine. Cook for 2 minutes, stirring continuously.
- Step 3: Add the vegetable stock, tomatoes, chickpeas, peas, and sweet potato. Bring to a boil then reduce the heat and simmer for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Step 4: Season to taste with salt and pepper, then remove from the heat and set aside. Preheat the oven to 350°F/175°C.
- Step 5: Place the hollowed out bread loaf in a baking dish and fill with the Bunny Chow Curry. Cover the dish with foil and bake for 20 minutes.
- Step 6: Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the top of the bread is golden brown and crispy. Serve warm with extra chili powder and fresh cilantro.
That’s it! With just a few simple steps, you can enjoy a delicious South African classic in the comfort of your own home.
Conclusion
Bunny Chow Curry is a classic South African dish that combines traditional Indian flavors with a variety of fillings. It is simple to make and is sure to become a favorite among your family and friends.
