Chakalaka

South Africa

About Chakalaka

Chakalaka is a spicy South African vegetable relish of onions, peppers, carrots, tomatoes and baked beans, cooked with curry powder and chili. It can be eaten hot or cold and goes with almost everything.

It is said to have started in the townships around Johannesburg, where Mozambican mine workers coming off their shifts cooked tinned vegetables and beans with chili to make a quick, spicy side dish. Many families now have their own recipe, adding cabbage, garlic, ginger or extra heat.

Chakalaka is a must at a braai, the South African barbecue, alongside grilled meat, boerewors sausage and pap, a stiff maize porridge. It is also popular as a side at Sunday lunches and celebrations.

Ingredients

• beans
• carrots
• onion
• peppers
• tomatoes
• curry powder
• chili