sideSouth African

Chakalaka

Name: Chakalaka
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 4 servings
Cuisine: South African
Ingredients: 4 pieces Carrots (grated); 3 pieces Bell peppers (mixed colours); 2 pieces Onions; 400 g Baked beans; 400 g Tomatoes (chopped); 1 tbsp Curry powder; 1 tsp Paprika; 2 pieces Chilli; 4 cloves Garlic; 20 g Ginger; 50 ml Vegetable oil; To taste Salt and pepper

Chakalaka is a classic South African side that holds a distinguished place in traditional cooking. Celebrated for its wholesome ingredients and time-honored preparation, this dish brings authentic regional character to the home kitchen.

Carefully prepared featuring Carrots (grated), Bell peppers (mixed colours), Onions, Baked beans, Tomatoes (chopped), Curry powder, Paprika, Chilli, Garlic, Ginger and Salt and pepper, the ingredients are simmered and seasoned to achieve a satisfying depth of flavor. The cooking process allows natural aromas to develop, ensuring each portion is both hearty and flavorful.

Serve hot alongside fresh bread, steamed grains, or a crisp seasonal salad for a well-rounded dining experience.

If you enjoy authentic South African cooking, be sure to also explore our recipe for Bobotie.

Difficulty: easyPrep: 20 minCook: 20 minServes 6

Rate this recipe

Be the first to rate

0 likes

Ingredients

Carrots (grated)4 pieces
Bell peppers (mixed colours)3 pieces
Onions2 pieces
Baked beans400 g
Tomatoes (chopped)400 g
Curry powder1 tbsp
Paprika1 tsp
Chilli2 pieces
Garlic4 cloves
Ginger20 g
Vegetable oil50 ml
Salt and pepperTo taste

Step-by-Step Instructions

6 steps

Interactive Cook Mode: Click any step or circle to check it off as you cook.

Step 1

Grate the carrots coarsely and cut the peppers and onions into thin strips.

Step 2🍳 Fry

Fry the onion with the garlic, ginger and chilli in oil until soft, five minutes.

Step 3

Add the curry powder and paprika and warm them a minute; the spices need to open up in the oil.

Step 4

Add the peppers and carrot and cook five minutes over a high heat, stirring.

Step 5

Add the tomatoes, season and cook seven minutes, until the sauce thickens.

Step 6🥄 Mix

Stir in the beans, warm them three minutes and take the pan off. The vegetables should still have bite.

👨‍🍳 Chef's Culinary Notes

Cultural Heritage

Chakalaka carries a rich culinary tradition rooted in regional home cooking. Developed over generations, the recipe highlights wholesome local ingredients prepared with time-honored kitchen techniques.

Dietary Substitutions

You can freely swap carrots (grated) with firm pressed tofu, seitan, or thinly sliced mushrooms for a wholesome, plant-based stir-fry with equal bite and flavor absorption.

Chef Technique Tips

Ensure all ingredients are sliced to uniform thickness and patted dry before they hit the pan. Searing in a scorching hot skillet or wok creates authentic smoky caramelization ('wok hei') rather than steaming the ingredients.

Recipe Feedback & Reviews

Have you tried making this recipe? Share your experience, modifications, or tips with fellow cooks!

Please log in to leave feedback on this recipe.

Community Feedback (0)

No feedback yet. Be the first to share how this recipe turned out!