If you’re craving a vibrant, flavorful dish that’s as comforting as it is colorful, this Simple Chakalaka Recipe is an absolute must-try. Originating from South African cuisine, chakalaka is a spicy vegetable relish that brings together a medley of fresh ingredients and bold spices, creating a harmonious blend that will brighten up any meal. Whether you’re serving it as a side or a main, this recipe captures all the soul and spice without any fuss, making it perfect for sharing with friends or family around the table.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Simple Chakalaka Recipe lies in its straightforward ingredients that come together to create a delicious balance of flavors and textures. Each component adds its own magic: the freshness of the peppers, the sweetness of the carrots, the warmth of the spices, and the heartiness of the baked beans all complement each other perfectly.
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil: A neutral base for sautéing that lets the spice shine.
- 1 onion, finely chopped: Adds sweetness and depth when caramelized slightly.
- 1 green bell pepper, chopped: Brings a crisp texture and fresh bite.
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped: Offers vibrant color and subtle sweetness.
- 1 carrot, grated: Adds natural sweetness and a bit of crunch.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Infuses the dish with savory, aromatic undertones.
- 1 tablespoon curry powder: The heart of the spices, giving it that signature chakalaka warmth.
- 1 teaspoon paprika: Adds smokiness and a gentle red hue.
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional): For those who love a little heat, this kick elevates the dish beautifully.
- 1 can (14 oz) baked beans in tomato sauce: Provides texture, substance, and a touch of tangy sweetness.
- 2 medium tomatoes, chopped: Freshness and juiciness that brighten up the sauce.
- 1/4 cup tomato paste: Concentrated tomato flavor that thickens and enriches the mix.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential seasonings to bring all the elements together.
- Fresh coriander (cilantro) for garnish (optional): Adds a pop of green and fresh herbaceous notes when serving.
How to Make Simple Chakalaka Recipe
Step 1: Heat Your Oil and Sauté the Base Vegetables
Start by heating your vegetable oil over medium heat in a large pan. Once hot, toss in the finely chopped onion along with the green and red bell peppers. Let them cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally until the onions turn translucent and the peppers soften just enough to release their sweet aroma.
Step 2: Add Grated Carrot and Garlic
Next, stir in the grated carrot and minced garlic. This combination will add a hint of sweetness and a lovely depth of flavor. Cook this for around 2 minutes, making sure you stir occasionally so the garlic doesn’t burn but instead infuses everything around it.
Step 3: Season with the Spices
Now here comes the magic—sprinkle in the curry powder, paprika, and cayenne pepper if you want a bit of heat. Stir well to coat all the veggies evenly in these vibrant spices. Cook for an additional minute until the spices are fragrant and have had a chance to mingle with the base ingredients.
Step 4: Incorporate Beans and Tomatoes
Pour in the canned baked beans along with their tomato sauce, the chopped fresh tomatoes, and the tomato paste. These ingredients form the heart of the chakalaka’s rich, saucy texture. Stir everything together so all the flavors start melding beautifully.
Step 5: Simmer to Perfection
Reduce your heat to low and let the chakalaka simmer gently for 10 to 15 minutes. During this time, the flavors deepen and marry wonderfully. Remember to stir occasionally to keep it from sticking to the bottom of the pan—this slow simmering step is crucial for that signature chakalaka taste.
Step 6: Final Seasoning and Serve
Give your dish a quick taste test and add salt and pepper as needed. For a final touch, you can garnish with fresh coriander to add a refreshing pop of green and aroma. Then, serve your Simple Chakalaka Recipe warm and watch it disappear fast!
How to Serve Simple Chakalaka Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of chopped fresh coriander (cilantro) is a classic complement to chakalaka, providing a bright herbal contrast to the spices. You could also try a dollop of cool yogurt or a squeeze of fresh lemon if you want to play with contrasting flavors.
Side Dishes
Chakalaka works beautifully alongside traditional staples like pap (a maize porridge) or fluffy white rice, which helps mellow the spices. It’s also fantastic paired with grilled meats, especially boerewors or chicken, soaking up all those fantastic juicy flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve your chakalaka as a topping on toasted bread or inside a warm wrap for a quick lunch. You can also use it as a vibrant side salad at a BBQ, bringing a splash of color and spice to the table that will impress your guests every time.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover chakalaka keeps really well in the fridge for up to 3 days when stored in an airtight container. The flavors actually deepen after a day, making it even tastier the next day.
Freezing
If you want to keep it longer, chakalaka freezes wonderfully. Simply place cooled portions into freezer-safe containers or bags and store for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat chakalaka gently on the stove over medium-low heat, stirring often to prevent sticking. You can also microwave it covered in short bursts, stirring in between so the heat distributes evenly and the texture stays perfect.
FAQs
What is chakalaka?
Chakalaka is a spicy South African vegetable relish made with a combination of cooked peppers, beans, and tomatoes, seasoned with curry and other spices. It’s traditionally served as a side dish but can shine on its own too.
Can I make chakalaka vegan?
Absolutely! This Simple Chakalaka Recipe is naturally vegan since it’s packed with vegetables, beans, and spices without any animal products, making it a wholesome and delicious vegan-friendly option.
How spicy is chakalaka?
The spice level can be adjusted according to your taste. This recipe uses a bit of cayenne pepper which you can omit or increase for more heat. The curry powder also adds a mild warming spice without overwhelming the dish.
Can I use fresh beans instead of canned?
You certainly can, but canned baked beans are convenient and bring a slightly sweet, saucy element that’s hard to replicate with fresh beans alone. If using fresh, be sure to cook them until tender and consider adding tomato sauce or paste to mimic the canned beans’ richness.
What dishes pair well with chakalaka?
Chakalaka goes wonderfully with staples like pap, rice, or grilled meats. It also pairs nicely with bread for a casual lunch or can be used as a topper for eggs or sandwiches to brighten up your meal.
Final Thoughts
I can’t encourage you enough to try this Simple Chakalaka Recipe—it’s one of those dishes that is surprisingly easy yet bursting with bold, vibrant flavors that bring a meal to life. Whether you’re a fan of spicy food or simply love exploring new cuisines, this recipe is a delightful way to enjoy a taste of South African tradition in your own kitchen. So grab your pan, dig into those spices, and get ready for a comforting, colorful feast!
Print
Simple Chakalaka Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: South African
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Simple Chakalaka is a vibrant South African vegetable relish featuring sautéed bell peppers, onions, grated carrot, and baked beans spiced with curry powder, paprika, and optional cayenne pepper for a mild kick. This easy stovetop recipe yields a flavorful, warming dish perfect as a side to pap, rice, or grilled meats, coming together in just 30 minutes with minimal ingredients.
Ingredients
Vegetables and Aromatics
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 1 green bell pepper, chopped
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped
- 1 carrot, grated
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Spices and Seasonings
- 1 tablespoon curry powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional for extra heat)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Tomato and Beans
- 1 can (14 oz) baked beans in tomato sauce
- 2 medium tomatoes, chopped
- 1/4 cup tomato paste
Garnish
- Fresh coriander (cilantro) for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Heat oil and sauté vegetables: Heat the vegetable oil in a large pan over medium heat to prepare for cooking the base vegetables.
- Add onion and bell peppers: Add the chopped onion and both green and red bell peppers to the pan. Sauté for about 5 minutes until the vegetables soften and the onion becomes translucent, creating a flavorful sautéed base.
- Add grated carrot and garlic: Stir in the grated carrot and minced garlic. Continue cooking for another 2 minutes, stirring occasionally to combine the flavors.
- Season with spices: Sprinkle the curry powder, paprika, and optional cayenne pepper into the pan. Stir well to thoroughly coat all vegetables in the spices, cooking for about 1 minute until the spices become fragrant, enhancing the aroma of the dish.
- Add baked beans and tomatoes: Pour in the canned baked beans with their tomato sauce, chopped fresh tomatoes, and tomato paste. Stir everything thoroughly to combine all ingredients evenly.
- Simmer: Reduce the heat to low and let the chakalaka gently simmer for 10 to 15 minutes. This resting period allows the flavors to meld together beautifully. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and burning at the bottom of the pan.
- Season to taste: Taste the chakalaka and adjust the seasoning by adding salt and pepper as needed to bring out the best balance of flavors.
- Serve: Optionally garnish with fresh coriander (cilantro). Serve the warm chakalaka alongside traditional South African pairings such as pap, rice, or grilled meats for a complete meal.
Notes
- For a milder version, omit the cayenne pepper entirely.
- Chakalaka can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Leftovers can be reheated gently on the stovetop to preserve texture and flavor.
- Feel free to add extra vegetables such as green beans or carrots for variation.
- This dish is naturally vegetarian and can be made vegan by ensuring the baked beans do not contain animal products.
