Chakalaka (South African Spicy Vegetable Relish)
In short: A warm, spicy relish of grated carrot, peppers, tomato and baked beans with curry powder, served with pap, braai meat and bread. It takes about 50 min in total and makes 8 servings.
- Prep
- 20 min
- Cook
- 30 min
- Total
- 50 min
- Servings
- 8
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Calories
- 120 kcal
Chakalaka is a spicy vegetable relish that sits beside pap, bread and grilled meat on South African tables. It is associated with the townships around Johannesburg and is now eaten everywhere, and each cook sets the heat to taste. Grated carrot, peppers, tomato and curry spices simmer together, and a can of baked beans gives it body. Serve it warm or at room temperature. It tastes even better the next day.
Instructions
- Heat the oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Cook the onion for 5 minutes until soft, then add the garlic and ginger for 1 minute.
- Add the green and red peppers and the carrots and cook for 5 minutes, stirring now and then.
- Stir in the chilies, curry powder, paprika and tomato paste and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add the chopped tomatoes, sugar and salt. Simmer uncovered for 15 minutes, until thick and the vegetables are tender.
- Stir in the baked beans and cook for 5 minutes more. Taste and adjust the salt and heat.
- Cool a little and scatter with coriander. Serve warm or at room temperature.
Tips
- Chakalaka improves overnight. Keep it in the fridge for up to 5 days, and bring it to room temperature or warm it gently before serving.
- Use hot curry powder or extra chilies for a fiery version. A can of drained sweetcorn or a grated beetroot also makes a good variation.
Questions and answers
What do you eat chakalaka with?
It goes with pap, bread, boerewors and any grilled meat. It is also spooned into vetkoek and sandwiches.
Is chakalaka spicy?
It ranges from mild to very hot depending on the chilies and curry powder you use. This recipe is medium, so use fewer chilies if you want it mild.
Can I freeze chakalaka?
Yes, for up to 3 months. Thaw it in the fridge overnight. The carrots soften slightly but the flavor stays the same.
How long does it take to make Chakalaka (South African Spicy Vegetable Relish)?
About 50 min in total: 20 min of preparation and 30 min of cooking.
How many calories are in Chakalaka (South African Spicy Vegetable Relish)?
About 120 kcal per serving, with 3 g of protein, 19 g of carbohydrates and 4 g of fat. These values are estimates.
Nutrition per serving
| Calories | 120 kcal |
|---|---|
| Protein | 3 g |
| Carbohydrates | 19 g |
| Fat | 4 g |
| Fiber | 5 g |
| Sugar | 9 g |
| Sodium | 450 mg |
Estimated values, calculated from the ingredients.
