Bunny Chow Recipe Vegan: Easy & Delicious South African Meal

If you’re craving a dish that’s bursting with bold flavors, hearty textures, and a unique street-food charm, then vegan bunny chow is the perfect recipe to try. Originating from South Africa, bunny chow is traditionally a hollowed-out loaf of bread filled with a rich, spicy curry.

This vegan version reinvents the classic by using wholesome plant-based ingredients that deliver the same satisfying depth of flavor without any animal products.

Whether you’re a seasoned vegan or simply looking to explore new cuisines, this recipe is approachable, comforting, and packed with vibrant spices and vegetables. It’s a fantastic way to enjoy the warmth and soulfulness of curry combined with fresh bread, making it an ideal meal for family dinners or casual gatherings.

Plus, it’s gluten-free adaptable and can be tailored to your spice tolerance.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This vegan bunny chow recipe offers a delightful blend of spicy, savory, and hearty flavors that come together beautifully in a single, satisfying dish. The thick, aromatic curry is rich in legumes and vegetables, making it not only delicious but also incredibly nutritious.

The recipe is versatile and easy to customize with your favorite veggies or spice levels. The bread acts as an edible bowl, soaking up all the curry goodness, which makes eating it a fun and immersive experience.

Plus, it’s a great way to introduce friends and family to vegan cuisine without compromising on taste.

If you enjoy recipes with a cultural twist and crave bold spices, this bunny chow will quickly become a favorite in your cooking repertoire.

Ingredients

• 1 large loaf of white or whole wheat bread (preferably unsliced)
• 1 cup dried chickpeas (or 2 cups cooked/canned chickpeas, drained and rinsed)
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil or coconut oil
• 1 large onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1-inch piece fresh ginger, grated
• 2 medium tomatoes, chopped
• 1 medium potato, peeled and diced
• 1 medium carrot, diced
• 1 cup green beans, chopped
• 2 teaspoons curry powder
• 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon ground coriander
• 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
• 1 teaspoon garam masala
• 2 cups vegetable broth
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh cilantro for garnish
• Lemon wedges for serving (optional)

Equipment

• Large pot or saucepan for cooking the curry
• Large bowl to soak chickpeas (if using dried)
• Knife and cutting board for prep
• Wooden spoon or spatula for stirring
• Baking tray or plate to hold the bread
• Ladle for serving the curry into the bread

Instructions

1. Prepare the chickpeas: If using dried chickpeas, soak them overnight in plenty of cold water. Drain, rinse, and cook them in fresh water for about 45 minutes until tender. If using canned, simply rinse and drain.
2. Prepare the bread: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Cut the loaf of bread into quarters or halves depending on serving size. Hollow out the center of each piece, leaving a thick shell to hold the curry. Set aside the bread “bowls” and the bread scooped out from inside.
3. Sauté aromatics: Heat the vegetable oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and cook until translucent and slightly golden, about 5-7 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and grated ginger and cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
4. Add spices: Sprinkle in the curry powder, turmeric, cumin, coriander, cayenne, and garam masala. Stir well to coat the onions and garlic, cooking the spices for about 1 minute to release their aromas.
5. Add vegetables and tomatoes: Add the diced potatoes, carrots, green beans, and chopped tomatoes to the pot. Stir to combine everything evenly.
6. Simmer the curry: Pour in the vegetable broth and add the cooked chickpeas. Season with salt and pepper. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer, uncovered, for 25-30 minutes or until the vegetables are tender and the curry has thickened.
7. Adjust seasoning: Taste the curry and adjust salt, pepper, or spices as needed. If you prefer a thicker curry, simmer a little longer, stirring occasionally.
8. Fill the bread: Place the hollowed-out bread pieces on a serving tray or plates. Ladle the hot curry generously into each bread bowl, allowing some to spill over for a rustic effect.
9. Garnish and serve: Sprinkle chopped fresh cilantro over the top and serve with lemon wedges on the side for an extra zing.

Tips & Variations

Tip: For a gluten-free version, substitute the bread with gluten-free bread or a hollowed-out baked sweet potato!

Feel free to swap chickpeas with lentils or black-eyed peas for different textures and flavors. Adding spinach or kale towards the end of cooking adds a boost of greens.

If you like your curry extra spicy, add fresh chopped chili or a dash of hot sauce when cooking the spices.

Want to make the bread extra crispy? Toast the hollowed-out bread pieces in the oven for 5 minutes before filling.

Nutrition Facts

Serving Suggestions

Enjoy your vegan bunny chow with a side of fresh cucumber raita made from dairy-free yogurt or a crisp salad featuring tomatoes, cucumbers, and red onions dressed lightly with lemon juice and olive oil.

For drinks, a chilled mango lassi made with coconut yogurt or a refreshing iced tea pairs wonderfully with the spicy curry. This dish is also excellent for casual gatherings—serve it family-style with extra bread pieces for dipping.

If you want to explore more vegan recipes that complement this dish, check out our Lemon Ricotta Pasta With Arugula Recipe or the hearty Lion’S Mane Mushroom Crumble Recipes. For a delicious vegan side, try the Harvest Hash Recipe: A Delicious and Easy Fall Comfort Food.

Conclusion

Vegan bunny chow is more than just a meal—it’s an experience that combines the comfort of a rich, spicy curry with the rustic charm of fresh bread. This recipe is perfect for anyone looking to enjoy vibrant, plant-based flavors without compromising on heartiness or satisfaction.

With easy-to-source ingredients and straightforward steps, you can bring a taste of South African street food into your home kitchen. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just treating yourself, this recipe promises warmth, flavor, and a little culinary adventure in every bite.

Don’t hesitate to experiment with different vegetables or spice levels to make this dish your own. Happy cooking!

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