Bunny Chow: A South African Street Food Icon

Bunny Chow, often simply called a "bunny," is a South African street food dish consisting of a hollowed-out loaf of white bread filled with curry. While traditionally made with meat curries, this recipe provides a delicious and satisfying vegetable-based version. It's a wonderfully flavorful and surprisingly filling meal, perfect for lunch or a casual dinner. Imagine tearing off pieces of the bread to scoop up the flavorful curry – pure comfort food!

Ingredients:

• 1 large loaf of white bread
• 2 tbsp vegetable oil
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 inch ginger, grated
• 1 tsp turmeric powder
• 1 tsp cumin powder
• 1 tsp coriander powder
• 1/2 tsp chili powder (or more, to taste)
• 1 can (400g) diced tomatoes
• 2 cups cooked mixed vegetables (potatoes, carrots, beans, peas)
• 1 cup vegetable broth
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Bread: Cut a square out of the top of the bread loaf and carefully hollow out the inside, leaving about a 1-inch thick shell. Be careful not to tear the crust. Reserve the scooped-out bread.
2. Sauté Aromatics: Heat the vegetable oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and grated ginger and cook for another minute until fragrant.
3. Bloom the Spices: Stir in the turmeric powder, cumin powder, coriander powder, and chili powder. Cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly, until the spices are fragrant. This "blooming" process releases the essential oils and enhances their flavor.
4. Build the Curry: Add the diced tomatoes and cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, allowing the tomatoes to break down and release their juices.
5. Simmer the Vegetables: Add the cooked mixed vegetables and vegetable broth. Bring to a simmer, then reduce the heat and cook for 15-20 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened slightly and the flavors have melded together.
6. Season: Season the curry generously with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Assemble the Bunny: Ladle the vegetable curry into the hollowed-out bread loaf, filling it to the brim.
8. Garnish and Serve: Garnish with fresh cilantro. Serve immediately while the bread is still warm and the curry is steaming.

Serving Suggestions:

• Serve immediately. The scooped-out bread can be used for dipping into the curry.
• For a more intense flavor, let the curry sit for a few hours before filling the bread.
• Accompany with a side of sambals or chutneys for an added layer of flavor and texture. Popular choices include tomato sambal, mango chutney, or onion relish.
• Enjoy with a cold beverage, such as ginger beer or a crisp lager.

Enjoy your homemade Bunny Chow!