Bunny Chow: A South African Delight

Origin Story:

Born in Durban, South Africa, Bunny Chow is a unique and flavorful street food. It consists of a hollowed-out loaf of white bread filled with a delicious curry. While its exact origins are debated, it's thought to have emerged from the Indian community in Durban during the apartheid era.   

Ingredients:

• 1 loaf of white bread (unsliced)   
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced   
• 1 tablespoon curry powder
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin   
• 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder   
• 1/4 teaspoon chili powder (adjust to your spice preference)
• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken or lamb, cubed (or your choice of vegetables)
• 1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
• 1 cup water
• Salt and pepper to taste   
• Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)   

Instructions:

1. Prepare the bread: Slice off the top quarter of the bread loaf. Carefully hollow out the bread, leaving a shell about 1 inch thick. Reserve the bread you scooped out for dipping.
2. Cook the curry: Heat the oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
3. Add spices: Stir in the curry powder, cumin, turmeric, and chili powder. Cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly, until fragrant.
4. Brown the meat: Add the cubed chicken or lamb and cook until browned on all sides.
5. Simmer the curry: Pour in the diced tomatoes and water. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until the meat is tender and the sauce has thickened. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Assemble the Bunny Chow: Fill the hollowed-out bread with the curry. Garnish with fresh cilantro.
7. Serve: Serve hot with the reserved bread for dipping.

Tips & Variations:

• Vegetarian/Vegan: Substitute the meat with your favorite vegetables like potatoes, chickpeas, lentils, or paneer. Use vegetable broth instead of water.
• Spice it up: Add a chopped chili pepper or a pinch of cayenne pepper for extra heat.
• Beans: Add a can of drained and rinsed kidney beans or butter beans to the curry for a heartier meal.
• Sides: Serve with a side of raita (yogurt dip), sambals (chutneys), or a simple salad.   

Enjoy!

This recipe is a starting point, feel free to experiment with different spices, meats, and vegetables to create your own unique Bunny Chow. Let me know in the comments how yours turns out!

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