Description
Chakalaka is a vibrant and spicy South African vegetable relish combining a flavorful mix of sautéed onions, peppers, carrots, tomatoes, and baked beans, enriched with warming spices like curry powder and paprika. This versatile side dish can be served warm or at room temperature alongside pap, rice, grilled meats, or bread. It’s a vegan, nutritious, and hearty accompaniment with a delightful depth of flavor that intensifies when enjoyed the next day.
Ingredients
Scale
Vegetables and Aromatics
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger
- 2 bell peppers, diced (any color)
- 2 carrots, grated
- 2 tomatoes, chopped
- 1 cup shredded cabbage (optional but traditional)
- Chopped parsley for garnish
Spices and Flavorings
- 1 tablespoon curry powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon chili flakes or fresh chopped chili
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Other Ingredients
- 1 cup canned baked beans in tomato sauce
- 1/2 cup water
Instructions
- Heat oil and sauté onion: Heat the vegetable oil in a large pan over medium heat and cook the finely chopped onion until it becomes soft and translucent, about 5 minutes.
- Add garlic and ginger: Stir in the minced garlic and grated fresh ginger, cooking until fragrant, about 1 to 2 minutes, enhancing the base flavor.
- Add bell peppers and cook: Add the diced bell peppers to the pan and cook for approximately 5 minutes until they begin to soften but still retain some crunch.
- Incorporate carrots and tomatoes: Stir in the grated carrots and chopped tomatoes, mixing thoroughly to combine all the vegetables together.
- Bloom spices: Add the curry powder, paprika, chili flakes, dried thyme, and tomato paste. Cook for another minute to activate the spices and develop a richer aroma.
- Simmer vegetables: Pour in 1/2 cup water, stir well, and let the mixture simmer gently for 10 minutes until the vegetables are tender and flavors meld.
- Add baked beans and cabbage: Stir in the canned baked beans (including the tomato sauce) and the shredded cabbage if using, then season with salt and black pepper to taste.
- Final simmer: Continue to simmer the chakalaka for an additional 5 minutes to allow all ingredients to blend and the cabbage to soften slightly.
- Serve and garnish: Remove the pan from heat, garnish with chopped parsley, and serve warm or at room temperature as a flavorful side dish.
Notes
- Chakalaka tastes even better the next day as the flavors deepen and meld together.
- Adjust the amount of chili flakes or fresh chili to customize the heat level from mild to spicy.
- This dish pairs excellently with pap (maize porridge), rice, grilled meats, or crusty bread.
- For variations, add diced potatoes or canned corn to diversify texture and flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: South African
