Chakalaka

Name: Chakalaka
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 8 servings
Cuisine: South African
Ingredients: 2 tbsp vegetable oil; 2 large onions, diced; 4 cloves garlic, minced; 2 tbsp curry powder; 1 tsp cayenne pepper; 3 large carrots, grated; 2 red bell peppers, diced; 1 green bell pepper, diced; 4 large tomatoes, chopped; 1 can (400g) baked beans; Salt and black pepper; 2 fresh chillies, sliced

Chakalaka (cha-ka-LAH-ka)

Spicy Vegetable Relish

⏱ Prep Time 30 min

📈 Difficulty Easy

👥 Servings

🔥 Calories 115 kcal

A fiery, chunky vegetable relish of onions, tomatoes, peppers, carrots, and baked beans simmered with curry powder and chilli — the indispensable side at every South African braai.

Nutrition & Info

Protein 4.0g

Carbs 18.0g

Fat 3.0g

Protein Carbs Fat

Dietary

dairy-free gluten-free nut-free

Equipment Needed

heavy-bottomed pot wooden spoon cutting board

Presentation Guide

Vessel: cast iron pot

Garnishes: fresh chilli slices, coriander leaves

Accompaniments: pap, braai meat

Ingredients

2 tbsp vegetable oil
2 large onions, diced
4 cloves garlic, minced
2 tbsp curry powder
1 tsp cayenne pepper
3 large carrots, grated
2 red bell peppers, diced
1 green bell pepper, diced
4 large tomatoes, chopped
1 can (400g) baked beans
Salt and black pepper
2 fresh chillies, sliced

Instructions

1
Heat oil in a heavy pot over medium heat. Sauté onions until golden, about 8 minutes.
2
Add garlic, curry powder, and cayenne. Stir for 1 minute until fragrant.
3
Add grated carrots and diced peppers. Cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
4
Add chopped tomatoes and chillies. Simmer for 10 minutes until tomatoes break down.
5
Stir in baked beans gently. Cook for another 5 minutes until heated through.
6
Season with salt and pepper. Serve warm or at room temperature alongside braai meats and pap.

💡

Did You Know?

Chakalaka was born in the mining hostels of Johannesburg where workers from across southern Africa combined their culinary traditions into one communal pot.

Chef's Notes

Equipment Tips

heavy-bottomed pot
wooden spoon
cutting board

Garnishing

fresh chilli slices, coriander leaves

Accompaniments

pap, braai meat

The Story Behind Chakalaka

Chakalaka emerged in the gold mining compounds of Johannesburg during the 1940s, where migrant workers from across southern Africa pooled ingredients and cooking traditions. The dish became a symbol of township creativity and resourcefulness, eventually crossing all cultural boundaries to become a staple at every South African braai and gathering.

🕐 Traditionally enjoyed braai side dish 📜 Origins: 1940s Johannesburg townships

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