Authentic South African Chakalaka Recipe

Ingredients

  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
  • 1 large onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 red bell pepper, diced
  • 1 yellow bell pepper, diced
  • 1 green bell pepper, diced
  • 2 carrots, grated
  • 1 can (14 oz) baked beans in tomato sauce
  • 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
  • 2 tablespoons curry powder
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 green chillies, chopped
  • 1/2 cup chopped fresh parsley

Steps and instructions

  1. Heat the vegetable oil in a large pan over medium heat.
  2. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the pan. Sauté until the onion becomes translucent.
  3. Add the diced red, yellow and green bell peppers to the pan. Cook for about 5 minutes, or until the peppers are soft.
  4. Add the grated carrots to the pan and continue to cook for another 2 minutes.
  5. Stir in the curry powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook for 1 minute to allow the spices to infuse.
  6. Add the canned diced tomatoes and baked beans to the pan. Stir well to combine all the ingredients.
  7. Add the chopped green chillies. Adjust the heat to low, cover the pan and let it simmer for about 15 minutes.
  8. Turn off the heat and stir in the chopped fresh parsley before serving.

Tools for making

  • Large pan - A pan large enough to accommodate all the ingredients.
  • Chopping board - A surface for chopping and preparing the vegetables.
  • Sharp knife - Needed for chopping the onion, garlic, and peppers.
  • Grater - To grate the carrots.
  • Wooden spoon - For stirring and mixing the ingredients in the pan.
  • Can opener - To open the cans of baked beans and diced tomatoes.
  • Measuring spoons - For accurate measurement of the spices.

Recipe variations

  • Add diced potatoes for a heartier version of Chakalaka.
  • Include other vegetables such as diced butternut squash or zucchini.
  • For a spicier kick, add extra chopped green chillies or a dash of hot sauce.
  • Add protein by incorporating cooked chicken, beef, or shrimp into the dish.
  • For a vegan or vegetarian option, omit the meat and use vegetable stock instead of chicken stock.
  • Experiment with different spices such as cumin, coriander, or turmeric to customize the flavor profile.
  • Add a splash of coconut milk or cream for a creamy twist.
  • Serve Chakalaka over rice or couscous for a complete meal.
  • Garnish with fresh cilantro or basil for added freshness.

Recipe overview

Introducing Chakalaka - a vibrant and spicy South African dish that is packed full of flavor and easy to make! This hearty recipe combines the aromatic spices of curry and paprika, with a colorful array of bell peppers, grated carrots, onions, and garlic, all simmered together with baked beans and diced tomatoes. Topped off with some heat from green chillies and freshness from chopped parsley, Chakalaka is a unique side dish that can also stand on its own as a vegan main. Expect a delightful mix of textures and a burst of warm, spicy flavors in every bite. Pair it with rice, roti, or grilled meat for a satisfying meal. Get ready to spice up your kitchen with this delicious South African staple!

Common questions

  1. Can I use different color bell peppers? Absolutely! Feel free to use any combination of bell peppers that you prefer or have on hand.
  2. Can I substitute the baked beans? Yes, you can substitute the baked beans with any other type of beans you prefer, such as kidney beans or black beans.
  3. Is this recipe spicy? The level of spiciness can be adjusted to your preference. If you prefer a milder flavor, you can reduce or omit the green chillies.
  4. Can I add meat to this recipe? Certainly! You can add cooked chicken, beef, or sausage to the Chakalaka if you prefer a meaty version.
  5. How long does this Chakalaka last? This Chakalaka can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days in an airtight container.

Serving dishes and utensils

  • Large Pan - A large pan is needed for sautéing the vegetables and simmering the chakalaka.
  • Chopping Board - A chopping board is essential for chopping the onion, garlic, and bell peppers.
  • Knife - A sharp knife is necessary for cutting and chopping the vegetables.
  • Grater - A grater is needed for grating the carrots.
  • Wooden Spoon - A wooden spoon is useful for stirring the ingredients while cooking.
  • Can Opener - A can opener is required for opening the cans of baked beans and diced tomatoes.
  • Measuring Spoons - Measuring spoons are helpful for accurately measuring the spices.

Origin stories

Chakalaka is a spicy vegetable relish that hails from South Africa and is staple in most households and traditional gatherings. Its origins are humble, tracing back to the townships of Johannesburg where male labourers living in hostels concocted this hearty dish from simple, cheap ingredients. The beauty of Chakalaka is its flexibility; over time, different regions have added their own twists, some featuring beans, others cabbage, but the core of this soul-warming dish—its heat, heartiness, and ability to bring people together — remains the same.

Disclaimer: This recipe was not created by humans and we cannot ensure that it will turn out as expected. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this recipe (including steps, ingredients, nutritional information, and all sections on this page). You should check to make sure you are not allergic to any ingredients and take safety precautions while making this. The images on this page are generated by AI and may not accurately represent the result of making this recipe.