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Bunny chow
Heat the oil in a heavy pot. Add the cinnamon, cardamom, bay and curry leaves and let them crackle for 30 seconds. Add the onion and fry until golden, 10 minutes.
Questions about this dish
Answers taken from this dish's times, amounts, swaps and tips.
How long does Bunny chow take?
1 hr 50 min all in — 20 min prep, 1 hr 30 min cook. Cook and rest follow the method. Leftover storage and optional extra waits are not included.
How many does it serve?
The recipe is written for 4 people. Scale the ingredient list on the page if you are cooking for a different number.
How hard is it?
Medium.
How spicy is it?
Hot.
What allergens should I watch?
This recipe is labelled for Wheat. Labels are informational — check the packets in your kitchen. This is not medical advice.
Does it fit a diet?
The published recipe is labelled Dairy-free, Nut-free.
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What does it cost to cook?
A bit special — about $16–28 USD, as a grocery budget for this recipe, not a restaurant price.
What equipment do I need?
Dutch oven, Chef's knife, Cutting board.
How much salt do I put in?
The recipe lists Salt at 1½ tsp.
What can I use instead?
Lamb → Mutton or goat. Mutton is more traditional in Durban. Give it 30 minutes longer.
What should I watch for?
Burnt masala is bitter and cannot be fixed. Keep the heat moderate and the spoon moving.
Any tips from this recipe?
Durban bunnies are hot. If you want it milder, halve the chilli powder but keep the full curry powder for flavour. Day-old bread holds the gravy better than a fresh loaf. For a bean bunny, replace the lamb with 800 g of cooked sugar beans or kidney beans and simmer 30 minutes instead of 90.
Can I use an air fryer?
This method is not written for an air fryer. The core technique on the page still applies.