Chakalaka
Vibrant, spicy, and bursting with colour, this chakalaka recipe is a true South African classic - perfect for adding a fabulously fiery kick to any feast!
Ingredients
Method
1. Heat the oil and fry the onion until soft and translucent.
2. Add the garlic, chillies and half of the ginger; reserve the other half to add right at the end.
3. Add the curry powder and stir to combine.
4. Add the peppers and cook for another 2 minutes.
5. Add the carrots and stir to make sure they are well combined with the other ingredients and coated in the curry powder.
6. Add in the tomato paste and tomatoes and stir.
7. Cook for 5-10 minutes until the mixture is well combined and slightly thickened.
8. Remove from the heat and add the baked beans, fresh thyme and remaining ginger and stir to combine. Serve hot or cold.
This chakalaka recipe is a sensational BBQ essential!
Bring a taste of South Africa to your table with this irresistible chakalaka recipe - a celebration of bold flavours, bright veggies, and just a little bit of heat! Chakalaka is a much-loved relish that’s as versatile as it is delicious, traditionally served at braais (South African barbecues) alongside grilled meats, pap (maize porridge), or even just a hunk of crusty bread.
The ingredients for chakalaka all start with a sizzle. Onions, garlic, and ginger are fried in oil until they’re soft and translucent, then fired up with green bird’s eye chillies and a sprinkle of mild curry powder for that iconic chakalaka recipe warmth. Next, a rainbow of finely chopped green, yellow, and red peppers joins the party, along with sweet grated carrots for crunch and colour. Stir in tomato purée, juicy chopped tomatoes, and a scattering of thyme leaves, then let everything bubble away until the flavours meld together.
But what really sets this incredible chakalaka recipe apart is the unexpected but delicious final flourish - a can of baked beans stirred in for heartiness and a touch of sweetness. Season with salt and pepper, and you’ve got a seriously tasty relish that’s perfect hot or cold, as a side, a topping, or even a main event.
The beauty of this dish is its flexibility, you can mix up your chakalaka ingredients any which way. Want more veggies? Add shredded cabbage, sliced green beans, or even corn. Prefer it extra spicy? Toss in more chillies or a dash of cayenne pepper.
Serve your chakalaka with grilled sausages, smoky chicken, or spooned over traditional pap cakes for a true taste of South African hospitality. And if you’re hungry for more global flavours, why not try a Middle Eastern shakshuka, a spicy Mexican pico de gallo, or a classic French ratatouille? With recipes like these, every meal can be a world tour on a plate!
