Chakalaka: the incredible recipe for a spicy South African vegetarian dish

Chakalaka is a mouthwatering, vegetarian tomato and bean relish seasoned with a tantalizing array of spices. This tasty condiment comes from South Africa, where it's used as a relish or salsa to enhance the flavors of a main dish.

Chakalaka is spicy, tangy, and has an almost salad-like texture. It's a must-have at any braai, a South African barbecue that is cooked directly over a fire. Chakalaka is a delicious addition to stews, grilled meats, barbecues, or you can simply enjoy it with some crusty bread.

It only takes about 20 minutes to cook, so it's perfect when you need a quick, flavorful condiment to serve up at your barbecue.

Chakalaka Ingredients

This delicious South African relish is made from a medley of vegetables cooked with beans and seasoned with beautiful, aromatic spices.

You'll need tomatoes, baked beans, cabbage, onions, carrot, and bell peppers.

Chili peppers add a spicy kick. You can use whatever type of chili pepper you prefer.

To season the chakalaka, add paprika, thyme, cayenne, ginger, curry powder, and garlic. You can play around with different spice combinations to figure out what you enjoy the most.

How to Make Chakalaka

It couldn't be easier to make this phenomenal tasting chakalaka at home. If you're planning a barbecue, it's the perfect homemade condiment to serve with your grilled meats. Start by

sauteeing the onion in a Dutch oven for a couple of minutes. Mix the spices in, and let everything cook together for a few minutes until fragrant.

Stir in the tomatoes, bell peppers, carrots, and cabbage. Stir occasionally, and simmer for 5 to 6 minutes until the vegetables begin to soften. Stir in the baked beans and cook for 2 to 3 minutes more. Give your chakalaka a taste and adjust the seasonings, if needed. Serve warm, and enjoy!

What to Serve with Chakalaka

Chakalaka is a condiment that's traditionally served with grilled meats, barbecues, stews, or as a tasty side dish with bread. It can also be enjoyed as a main dish with a side of rice, maize, or mieliepap. You can use it the same way you would chutney or relish – it's even delicious added to sandwiches!

Tips for the Best Chakalaka

To enhance the flavor of your chakalaka, add a little bouillon powder to the mixture.

If you don't want your chakalaka to be too spicy, deseed the chili peppers.

There are loads of different variations of chakalaka. You can add other spices to it, like turmeric, cumin, and ground coriander or mix in various veggies.

For a tangier chakalaka, add a dash of vinegar.

How to Store Chakalaka

Let the chakalaka cool slightly, then transfer it to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days.

Instructions

Heat oil in a Dutch oven over medium heat.

Sauté the onion for 2 minutes. Stir in the curry powder, garlic, thyme, paprika, cayenne, and ginger.

Cook for 2 to 3 minutes until fragrant.

Mix in tomatoes, bell peppers, carrots, and cabbage. Stir occasionally, and simmer for 5 to 6 minutes.

Stir in the baked beans and cook for 2 to 3 minutes more.

Taste and add any additional seasonings. Serve warm.

Notes

Use extra virgin olive oil for the best flavor. If you don't have any on hand, vegetable oil, canola oil, or grapeseed oil will all work as well.