Sunday, March 24, 2013

Traditional Food Series - Durban Beef Bunny Chow

**Disclaimer: No actual bunnies were harmed in the making of this dish**

Today I'm really excited to be kicking off a new series here at the cafe. For the next 5 weeks we will each share a dish that comes from our heritage, culture or has a special meaning to us. On the 6th week we'll be hosting a link party and asking you all to link up your special recipes.

As you all know I live in New Zealand, but some of you may not know that I grew up in Durban in South Africa. 
So I am sharing a traditional Durban street food called Bunny Chow, which basically consists of curry served in a scooped out loaf of bread. 

As theories go, this dish originated in the early 1900s, when Indian workers would get their curry "to go"  the shopkeepers served the curry in hollowed out loaves of bread. The name "bunny came from the word "banias" which was the term for the Indian shopkeepers at the time. 

The curry used in a bunny chow can be chicken, beef, lamb or vegetable and the level of heat varies... a lot! Now I like a tomato based curry, so mine has tomato in it, but you can make it  without.
 I couldn't decide if I should make a beef or chicken curry, as both are really delicious. Finally I decided to go with a mild beef, I hope you all like it too...

Ingredients I used:

500g cubed beef
2-3 potatoes
1 onion
a clove or 2 of garlic
crushed ginger
a teaspoon of curry powder
1 can of chopped tomatoes
3/4 sachet of Indian simmer sauce ( I used Taste of India)
coriander
A loaf of fresh bread (unsliced)
Fry onion, garlic and ginger together with curry powder. Brown the beef.
Add all the ingredients to the slow cooker and leave on high for 6 hours.

Alternatively you can cook this on the stove top if you prefer. I just like to toss everything together and leave it.

Cut the load of bread into half or quarters. I like mine to be a quarter and hubby likes the half size helping. Hollow out the bread and keep the soft bread aside.

Once the curry is ready, serve immediately into the bread "bowl" and place the chunk of bread on top, this is used to dip into the gravy. The whole meal is eaten by hand, breaking off pieces of the bread and using it to scoop up the curry. 

Be warned though...this can be a pretty messy meal, but really worth it. Yum!


Take care and have a great week, don't forget to follow us on Facebook,
 


 xxx
 
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56 comments:

  1. UnknownMarch 24, 2013 at 5:13 PM

    This comment has been removed by the author.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Mel@Mellywood's MansionMarch 24, 2013 at 7:53 PM

    Yummy! I love indian spices and curries yummy

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    Replies
    1. Natalie @ NorthShore DaysMarch 26, 2013 at 4:44 PM

      I love that you can make it as spicy or mild as you want too xxx

      Delete
  3. Heather @ The Beating HearthMarch 24, 2013 at 8:45 PM

    I am so making this!!! My family loves Indian food so this is right up our alley!

    ReplyDelete
  4. Feral TurtleMarch 24, 2013 at 9:43 PM

    This sounds so delicious. We love curry everything!!! I have never heard of Indian simmer sauce so I am definitely going to Google it so that I can make this dish. Thanks for sharing!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Natalie @ NorthShore DaysMarch 26, 2013 at 4:52 PM

      You can definitely make it without the simmer sauce Estelle - just whip up a curry to your taste and serve. So easy xx

      Delete
  5. Tuula @ Thrifty Rebel VintageMarch 24, 2013 at 10:45 PM

    This looks fabulous! I think this series is a great idea, and I'm looking forward to the link party!

    ReplyDelete
  6. UnknownMarch 25, 2013 at 5:19 AM

    I am getting so hungry just looking at that! thanks for the great recipe, i am sure it will go down very well with my rather fussy little eater...
    big hug
    xxx

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Natalie @ NorthShore DaysMarch 26, 2013 at 5:18 PM

      Jutta - I hope you try it - so easy, but really really filling xxx

      Delete
  7. mail4roseyMarch 25, 2013 at 6:51 AM

    I was just thinking, hurrah, hardly any mess! And then I kept reading to the warning. ;)

    Thanks for the great share, this looks delicious.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Natalie @ NorthShore DaysMarch 26, 2013 at 5:28 PM

      Aw sorry Rosey - yep very messy - but when you're a pro then not so much mess. I still make a bit hot mess but then I havnt had one of these in over 10 years. It is fun though xx Nat

      Delete
  8. Danni@SiloHillFarmMarch 25, 2013 at 6:55 AM

    That looks delicious Nat! I'm so lame...I thought you were cooking with rabbit meat! But, I'd have tried it because I love curry! Your pictures are just awesome by the way!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Natalie @ NorthShore DaysMarch 26, 2013 at 5:30 PM

      Thank you my lovely friend. You could totally make any kind of meat with this dish xx

      Delete
  9. Gail @Purple Hues and MeMarch 25, 2013 at 7:47 AM

    This dish looks so yummy and inviting! What a great idea for this series, ladies!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Natalie @ NorthShore DaysMarch 26, 2013 at 5:48 PM

      Thanks Gail - its a great Winter dish, its real comfort food too. I hope you join us at the party xx Nat

      Delete
  10. Donna WilkesMarch 25, 2013 at 10:55 AM

    I have never had curry but once or twice, but this sounds delicious. Like Danni, I thought it was a mixture of beef and rabbit!

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    Replies
    1. Natalie @ NorthShore DaysMarch 26, 2013 at 5:52 PM

      Haha no Donna, but I guess you could make it with rabbit if you wanted. And you can make this as mild or as hot as you want. Whats unique is the bread bowl. xx Nat

      Delete
  11. My Dream CanvasMarch 25, 2013 at 4:51 PM

    I am visiting you via The Dedicated House. This looks delicious. It would be wonderful to see you at My Dream Canvas. I am hosting a Giveaway, so please join in if you like what you see:) Have a wonderful week ahead.

    ReplyDelete
  12. Amy EllisMarch 25, 2013 at 10:14 PM

    This looks delish!! I love the bread bowl type serving, messy is always more fun. I'll bet it reminds you of home when you make it!! Great series, I'm looking forward to it ~ Amy

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    Replies
    1. Natalie @ NorthShore DaysMarch 26, 2013 at 6:10 PM

      Thanks Amy, funnily enough this is the first time I've made this. In Durban its a "street food" you basically buy from vendors or little takeaway places, usually in dodgy neighbourhoods. So when I made it - it really did remind us of Durban. I will definitely be making it again now xx Nat

      Delete
  13. Our Pinteresting FamilyMarch 26, 2013 at 8:34 AM

    Looks delicious! I really love anything that comes in a bread bowl. :)

    ReplyDelete
  14. Emily ThompsonMarch 26, 2013 at 10:00 AM

    that curry in bread looks amazing!!! I love curry! Thanks for linking up to Tasteful Tuesdays! you are a faithful linker! love it! Really appreciate you stopping by my blog! I’m trying to keep in better touch with my linkers/readers… If you already follow me, please let me know I will find your blog on Bloglovin (I’m transferring my follows there)if you don’t follow in any way, would you consider following via GFC or other method?
    http://www.nap-timecreations.com

    ReplyDelete
  15. Tina@WhatWeKeepMarch 26, 2013 at 11:31 AM

    We love curry, too. A bread bowl makes it even better!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Natalie @ NorthShore DaysApril 1, 2013 at 3:13 AM

      Oh definitely Tina, although I still need to use my fork xx Nat

      Delete
  16. Sharon @ mrshinesclassMarch 27, 2013 at 5:26 AM

    What a great idea for a series. This Bunny Chow sounds pretty good. I love that it is served in a bread bowl!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Natalie @ NorthShore DaysApril 1, 2013 at 3:24 AM

      Its an awesome dish Sharon - I hope you give it a try, with any kind of curry. And I hope you will link up a dish come party time xx Nat

      Delete
  17. Ivy and ElephantsMarch 27, 2013 at 9:37 AM

    I absolutely love this idea. We have Jamaican hardough bread that I could use. I am a curry fanatic so this is perfect. I would love it if you would share this fabulous post and recipe at our What's It Wednesday Linky Party. I hope you can join us.

    Paula
    ivyandelephants.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Natalie @ NorthShore DaysApril 1, 2013 at 3:15 AM

      Oh thank you Paula - I missed this round but will link up next Wed.
      The beauty of this dish is you can use any bread and any type of curry
      xx Nat

      Delete
  18. Maureen WyattMarch 28, 2013 at 3:15 AM

    It's great hearing the history behind the dish! What a great idea to share recipes that have personal meaning and memories!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Natalie @ NorthShore DaysApril 1, 2013 at 3:25 AM

      Thanks Maureen, I hope you will be linking up a special dish at our party
      xx Nat

      Delete
  19. Adelina PriddisMarch 30, 2013 at 12:35 AM

    I am in love! Thank you for sharing some of your heritage on Foodie Friday. W love soups in bread, but I've never done in a curry in bread. Adding this to the menu for sure.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Natalie @ NorthShore DaysApril 1, 2013 at 3:26 AM

      Oh yay Adelina, remember you can make the curry however you want. My next try will be with chicken and no tomato. xx Nat

      Delete
  20. With A BlastMarch 31, 2013 at 4:31 AM

    We always have lots of bunny chows when in Durban! The Gauteng version just isn't the same {not even when I try and copy them}Pinned your recipe, think I'll give it a try during the week :-) Thank you for sharing at our ALL MY BLOGGY FRIENDS party !

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Natalie @ NorthShore DaysApril 1, 2013 at 3:06 AM

      Thanks Linda,
      I hope you try it - maybe improve on my attempt. I made mine quite tomatoey and mild, but I will keep playing with the recipe now that I've made it and it was a success.
      One of the few things I miss about Durbs.
      xx Nat

      Delete
  21. Charlene@APinchofJoyMarch 31, 2013 at 5:08 PM

    This sounds delicious -- loved the story and history behind it! Thanks so much for sharing on Busy Monday!

    ReplyDelete
  22. HeatherMarch 31, 2013 at 8:16 PM

    Thanks so much for sharing at Project Inspired @ Setting for Four.
    I hope you are having a fantastic Easter, and can join me Monday evening 8 pm EST for Project Inspired #8!

    ReplyDelete
  23. Be Colorful CoastalMarch 31, 2013 at 8:36 PM

    It sounds wonderful but I am a sucker for presentation and this is just too fun. :D Thanks so much for sharing on BeColorful.
    p

    ReplyDelete
  24. KatieApril 1, 2013 at 11:55 PM

    Love the edible bowl presentation!

    ReplyDelete
  25. Kathryn Ferguson GriffinApril 2, 2013 at 8:45 AM

    Love this! You will be one of the features from the Make it Pretty Monday party at The Dedicated House. Pop on in and grab a feature button! Toodles, Kathryn @TheDedicatedHouse

    ReplyDelete
  26. TanusreeApril 5, 2013 at 1:55 AM

    love this. looks so inviting.

    ReplyDelete
  27. Diane BalchApril 5, 2013 at 8:43 AM

    Just wanted you to know that your recipe is being featured on Foodie Friday. Stop by and get your featured button. I will be pining and tweeting your recipe this week too. Thank you again for being part of the party.

    ReplyDelete
  28. Jim in CambridgeMay 18, 2013 at 5:57 AM

    Bunny Chows have always been on my menu ever since i walked into a Durban Indian Printers one lunchtime and saw a dozen or so wrapped in white paper waiting for the staff to eat. Love them. Will be trying this recipe today...I am off to buy the ingredients...with some beers.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Natalie @ NorthShore DaysMay 21, 2013 at 4:58 AM

      Oh thats great to hear Jim. I hope you enjoy my version with a beer or 2 xx Nat

      Delete
  29. UnknownJune 3, 2014 at 11:50 PM

    My ex-fiance was born in Durban as well, his family moved to the US when he was a teen. The 8 years I spent with him gave me a HUGE LOVE for South African food. We had Bunny Chow often, sooooooooooo GOOD! Now I want curry :)

    ReplyDelete

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