South African Bunny Chow With Butter Beans

["Heat a large saucepan to medium, add the oil, onions, cinnamon, star anise, and cloves. Add a pinch of salt and stir. Once onions have softened, about 5 minutes, add cumin seeds, green chili if using, garlic, ginger, and curry leaves, and stir until seeds and leaves release their fragrance and onions just start to brown, about 3 minutes.", "Add tomatoes and stir well. Once the tomatoes have softened and cooked down, about 7 minutes, add the powdered spices (except the garam masala), including the asafetida (if using). Stir well, allowing spices to cook into the tomato mixture but not burn.", "Add the potatoes and just enough to cover them, plus salt, and cook over medium heat, covered, about 15 minutes. Just before the potatoes have cooked all the way through, add the beans, adjust seasoning, stir well and simmer for a few minutes with the lid on low heat.", "Prepare the bunny chow ""bowls"" by making a circle in the top of the bread roll without cutting through the bottom of the bun. Use your fingers to take the circle off. Remove the inside of the bread and discard. Be sure to leave a 1-inch bottom on the bun. Sprinkle garam masala and cilantro over the curry. Adjust the seasoning one last time.", "Ladle the hot curry into the bread bowls. Spoon over some more sauce before topping with the top circle. Enjoy with your fingers and a simple, vinegary grated carrot salad."]