Chakalaka
Bursting with vibrant flavors, Chakalaka is a South African vegetable relish that’s as colorful as it is delicious. This beloved dish combines simple, wholesome ingredients like bell peppers, grated carrots, tomatoes, and a kick of green chilies, all simmered in aromatic spices like curry powder and paprika. Finished with hearty baked beans for extra texture and protein, Chakalaka is a versatile addition to any meal. Ready in under an hour, it’s perfect as a side dish for grilled meats, pap, or crusty bread, making it both a weeknight staple and a party favorite. Whether you're exploring African cuisines or looking for a healthy, flavorful side, this one-pot wonder delivers boldness and comfort in every bite.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 1 large onion
- 2 medium bell peppers (red, green, or yellow)
- 4 medium carrots
- 4 medium tomatoes
- 3 cloves garlic
- 1 teaspoon ginger
- 2 small green chilies
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 teaspoon curry powder
- 1 teaspoon ground paprika
- 1 can baked beans
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley
Instructions
Peel and finely chop the onion. Dice the bell peppers. Grate the carrots. Chop the tomatoes into small pieces. Mince the garlic and ginger.
Heat the vegetable oil in a large pan over medium heat.
Add the chopped onion to the pan and sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened.
Stir in the garlic, ginger, and green chilies, and cook for an additional 2 minutes.
Add the bell peppers to the pan and cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Mix in the grated carrots and cook for another 3-4 minutes until slightly softened.
Add the chopped tomatoes, curry powder, and paprika. Stir well to combine all the flavors.
Cover the pan and let the mixture simmer for 10 minutes until the tomatoes break down and create a sauce-like consistency.
Add the can of baked beans, salt, and black pepper. Stir thoroughly and allow the mixture to heat through for 5-7 minutes.
Taste and adjust the seasoning if necessary.
Garnish with freshly chopped parsley before serving.
Serve warm as a side dish with grilled meat, pap (maize meal), or bread.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
165 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 5.3 g | 7% | |
| Saturated Fat | 0.8 g | 4% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 3.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 0 mg | 0% | |
| Sodium | 751 mg | 33% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 28.2 g | 10% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 6.6 g | 24% | |
| Total Sugars | 10.2 g | ||
| Protein | 4.7 g | 9% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 71 mg | 5% | |
| Iron | 1.9 mg | 11% | |
| Potassium | 681 mg | 14% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
