What is a Bunny Chow?

A bunny Chow is a hollowed-out loaf of white bread that is filled with curry. It was created in Durban, which is home to a large Indian community that brought the dish to life and is still a popular meal in many Indian restaurants throughout South Africa. It's completely basic and absolutely delicious!

Why is it called a Bunny Chow?

The exact origins of the name "Bunny Chow" aren't completely clear, but there are a few theories. One suggests that the term "Bunny" may have been derived from the word "bania" or "baniya," referring to the Indian merchant community involved in the dish's creation. Another suggests that it may have originated from the word "bun" or "bunny," which is a reference to the loaf of bread used as the base of the dish.

'Bunny Chow' Banana Bread Dessert

Name: 'Bunny Chow' Banana Bread Dessert
Prep time: 35 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 1 h
Yield: 9
Cuisine: South African
Ingredients: 3 large, very ripe bananas or 4 small bananas (lightly mashed); 3/4 cup light brown sugar, lightly packed; ¼ cup vegetable oil; ½ cup sour cream (or plain yogurt); 2 large eggs, beaten; 1½ cups all-purpose flour; 1 teaspoon baking powder; 1 teaspoon baking soda; 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon; 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves; ¼ teaspoon salt; crushed nuts, optional; vanilla ice cream (Kawartha Dairy is my favourite); dark chocolate, melted (Lindt is my favourite 70% cocoa)

‘Bunny Chow’ Banana Bread Dessert

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This dessert is a sweet version of a South African Bunny Chow. It has a light and not too sweet banana bread that is dug out and filled with vanilla ice cream. Then it’s loaded with dark chocolate and topped with nuts. An explosion of flavours that pair so lovely together! Inspired by bakery/cafe Honest Chocolate in South Africa, Cape Town.

Author: Alie Romano
Prep Time: 35 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins
Total Time: 1 hour
Yield: 9 1x
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: South African

Ingredients

Units Scale

3 large, very ripe bananas or 4 small bananas (lightly mashed)
3/4 cup light brown sugar, lightly packed
1/4 cup vegetable oil
1/2 cup sour cream (or plain yogurt)
2 large eggs, beaten
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
1/4 teaspoon salt
crushed nuts, optional

Topping

vanilla ice cream (Kawartha Dairy is my favourite)
dark chocolate, melted (Lindt is my favourite 70% cocoa)

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Instructions

Preheat oven to 350˚F. Grease a popover tin or line with baking paper cups and set aside.
In a large bowl combine mashed bananas, sugar, vegetable oil, sour cream, and eggs. Mix by hand just until ingredients are combined (don’t overmix).
In a separate bowl, combine flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, cloves and salt. Mix well. Add to the banana mixture, and mix until just combined (don’t overmix, it’s okay if you see a few lumps).
Spoon the batter ¾ full into the muffin cups.
Bake for 25 minutes or until the tops are brown and the middle is set- when a toothpick is inserted in the middle and comes out clean.
Using a paring knife, cut a cylinder shape out of the middle of each muffin. Add a scoop of ice cream into the centre of the hole (so it melts into the middle of the muffin). Top with melted chocolate and enjoy right away. If using crushed nuts add the nuts when the chocolate hasn’t set.

Notes

Undressed muffins will last 2-3 days in an airtight container or freeze up to 1 month.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 Bunny Chow
Calories: 564
Sugar: 25.2g
Sodium: 253mg
Fat: 17.4g
Saturated Fat: 8.3g
Unsaturated Fat: 0
Trans Fat: 0
Carbohydrates: 91.2g
Fiber: 4.4g
Protein: 11.9g
Cholesterol: 53mg

Find it online: https://bakingforfriends.com/bunny-chow-banana-bread-dessert/