🇱🇸 Basotho (Lesotho) Cuisine

Chakalaka

Spicy Vegetable Relish

Prep Time 15 min
Servings 8
Difficulty Easy
Calories 146 kcal

A fiery, colorful relish of onions, tomatoes, peppers, carrots, and baked beans spiced with curry and chili. This vibrant side dish adds heat and flavor to any Basotho meal.

Ingredients

  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
  • 2 onions, finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons curry powder
  • 1 teaspoon chili flakes
  • 3 carrots, grated
  • 2 bell peppers, diced
  • 4 tomatoes, chopped
  • 1 can (400g) baked beans
  • Salt to taste

Instructions

  1. 1 Heat oil in a large pan over medium heat
  2. 2 Sauté onions and garlic until golden
  3. 3 Add curry powder and chili flakes, stir for 1 minute
  4. 4 Add carrots and peppers, cook for 5 minutes
  5. 5 Add tomatoes and cook until soft
  6. 6 Stir in baked beans
  7. 7 Simmer for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally
  8. 8 Season with salt and serve warm or at room temperature

Did You Know?

Chakalaka was born in the mining compounds of South Africa where Basotho migrant workers contributed to its creation. The name possibly derives from the Zulu word for 'to be intoxicated' — referring to its intense flavors.

From The Culinary Codex — http://theculinarycodex.com/dish/basotho-(lesotho)/chakalaka/