an image of Homemade Bread and The Perfect Bunny Chow

How to Make Homemade Bread and The Perfect Bunny Chow

This easy homemade bread recipe is soft, simple, and absolutely delicious. Pair it with a rich broad beans curry, and you’ve got a meal that’s packed with history, flavor, and pure comfort with Homemade Bread and The Perfect Bunny Chow.

Homemade Bread and The Perfect Bunny Chow

Bunny chow isn’t just food, it’s a story in every bite. It started in the streets of Durban, South Africa, where Indian workers needed a quick, hearty meal. Someone had the genius idea to hollow out a loaf of bread, stuff it with spicy curry, and boom, a legend was born. No plates, no forks, just hands and happiness.

People love bunny chow because it’s messy, fun, and packed with flavor. The bread soaks up the curry, making every bite soft, saucy, and downright addictive. Plus, it’s budget-friendly, filling, and easy to share (or not, we won’t judge).

And let’s talk benefits: homemade bread? No weird additives. Beans? Full of protein and fiber. Spices? They bring the heat and the health perks. It’s comfort food that’s actually good for you.

Now, ready to make your own? Let’s go!

an image of Homemade Bread and The Perfect Bunny Chow
Why buy when you can bake Homemade Bread and The Perfect Bunny Chow
Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon
an image of Homemade Bread and The Perfect Bunny Chow

How to Make Homemade Bread and The Perfect Bunny Chow

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star No reviews
  • Author: EsmeSalon
  • Prep Time: 45 minutes
  • Proof Time: 70 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Total Time: 2 hours 25 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings depending on size 1x
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: Easy
  • Cuisine: South African

Description

A bunny chow so good, you’ll forget forks exist.

Who’s making this for dinner?


Ingredients

Units Scale

Basic White Bread

  • 1 1/2 cups warm water
  • 2 teaspoons yeast
  • 2 tablespoons sugar
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 34 cups bread flour
  • 1/2 cup warm milk
  • 1 egg (for egg wash)

Homemade Bread and The Perfect Bunny Chow

Broad Beans Curry

  • 1 can white kidney beans/cannellini beans (drained)
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 1 tomato, diced
  • 23 curry leaves
  • 1 teaspoon ground ginger & garlic
  • 1/2 teaspoon dhania (coriander) powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon jeera (cumin) powder
  • 2 bay leaves
  • 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
  • Chili powder/masala (as much heat as you can handle)
  • Salt to taste
  • 2 potatoes, quartered
  • Oil

Homemade Bread and The Perfect Bunny Chow


Instructions

Basic White Bread

  1. Mix 2 cups of flour, yeast, sugar, and salt in a bowl. Nothing fancy, just combine it.
  2. Warm up the water, milk, and butter, just enough to melt the butter, not too hot.
  3. Pour the liquid into the dry mix while your mixer’s running (or stir if you’re doing this old-school).
  4. Add more flour, about ½ cup at a time, until the dough is soft and slightly tacky, not dry, not a sticky mess.
  5. Knead for 8–10 minutes (yeah, your arms might feel it, but it’s worth it).
  6. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it up, and let it rise until doubled. Give it about an hour.
  7. Punch it down (a little bread therapy), knead for another 5 minutes, and shape it into a loaf.
  8. Pop it into a greased pan, brush with egg wash, and bake at 180°C (350°F) for 25–30 minutes.
  9. Here’s a pro move: Just before baking, toss ½ cup of cold water onto a baking sheet on the lower rack. The steam helps create that perfect crust.
  10. Let it cool completely before slicing (I know, I know… but trust me, it’s worth the wait).

Now, onto the star of the show, the curry, Broad Beans Curry

This curry is rich, comforting, and just the right amount of spicy. It thickens up beautifully, making it perfect for scooping up with fresh bread.

  1. Heat some oil in a pot. Fry the onions until soft and golden.
  2. Throw in the garlic, ginger, tomato, bay leaves, curry leaves, chili, and turmeric. Let it all cook down and get fragrant.
  3. Add ½ cup of water, the potatoes, and salt. Let them simmer until soft (add more water if needed; potatoes can be stubborn).
  4. Once they’re tender, stir in the beans. Let it all simmer on low until the curry thickens up.
  5. Grab your homemade bread, hollow it out, and load it up with this rich, spicy curry.
  6. No forks, no knives, just you, the bread, and one seriously good meal.
  7. Enjoy!


Notes

Created, prepared, tried, and tested by Rochelle from SA Tasty Recipes, Saffas Daily Recipes

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 842
  • Sugar: 13.8 g
  • Sodium: 1274.9 mg
  • Fat: 13.9 g
  • Saturated Fat: 5 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 152.3 g
  • Fiber: 12.5 g
  • Protein: 27.1 g
  • Cholesterol: 62.4 mg
Recipe Card powered byTasty Recipes
an image of Homemade Bread and The Perfect Bunny Chow
Homemade Bread and The Perfect Bunny Chow that actually tastes homemade

Thanks for dropping in and checking out the recipes and what’s on offer.

Thanks for dropping in and checking out the recipes and what’s on offer.

If you try out this delightful recipe, please let me know, rate it, and tag me on Instagram at @_esmesalon. I’m excited to see your amazing recreations, and I’m hooked on those mouthwatering photos!

We happily share our tasty and fantastic recipes and are excited to spread some love by sharing our posts at these awesome Linky Parties.

Copyright © 2025 esmesalon.com – All rights reserved.

2 thoughts on “How to Make Homemade Bread and The Perfect Bunny Chow”

    1. Hi Lydia, Yes, it’s a strange name and a typical South African dish.
      Bunny chow is essentially a kind of bread bowl. You take a loaf of white bread, hollow out the middle and fill it with a curry, either vegetarian beans or some type of meat.
      But not rabbit. The name “bunny” comes from the corruption of an Indian term referring to merchants. The dish has its origins in Durban, South Africa

Leave a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe rating 5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

 

Scroll to Top