Description
Chakalaka is a flavorful South African vegetable relish often served as a side dish. This simple version is quick and easy to make, packed with spices and vegetables like beans, tomatoes, and peppers. It’s the perfect accompaniment to any meal, especially with pap (maize meal), rice, or grilled meats.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 1 green bell pepper, chopped
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped
- 1 carrot, grated
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon curry powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional for extra heat)
- 1 can (14 oz) baked beans in tomato sauce
- 2 medium tomatoes, chopped
- 1/4 cup tomato paste
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh coriander (cilantro) for garnish (optional)
Instructions
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Heat oil and sauté vegetables:
- Heat the vegetable oil in a large pan over medium heat.
- Add the chopped onion and bell peppers. Sauté for about 5 minutes until the vegetables soften and the onion becomes translucent.
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Add the grated carrot and garlic:
- Stir in the grated carrot and minced garlic. Cook for another 2 minutes, stirring occasionally.
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Season with spices:
- Add the curry powder, paprika, and cayenne pepper (if using). Stir well to coat the vegetables in the spices and cook for another minute until the spices become fragrant.
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Add beans and tomatoes:
- Add the canned baked beans (with the sauce), chopped tomatoes, and tomato paste to the pan. Stir everything together.
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Simmer:
- Reduce the heat to low and let the chakalaka simmer for 10-15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together. Stir occasionally to prevent it from sticking to the bottom of the pan.
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Season to taste:
- Taste and season with salt and pepper as needed.
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Serve:
- Garnish with fresh coriander (cilantro) if desired and serve warm. Chakalaka pairs wonderfully with pap, rice, or grilled meats.
Notes
- You can adjust the heat level of chakalaka by adding more or less cayenne pepper depending on your preference.
- Feel free to add other vegetables like zucchini or cabbage for extra texture and flavor.
- Chakalaka can be made ahead of time and stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/6 of the recipe
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 9g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 0g