South African Chakalaka Recipe

South African Chakalaka Recipe

Chakalaka is a spicy South African vegetable relish consisting of tomatoes, beans, and onions as its key ingredients, although some cooks might add various other ingredients such as carrots, bell peppers, chilis, and ginger.

Originally, chakalaka was invented in Johannesburg, where it became a staple dish.

Today, it is a key component of most South African barbecues, where it is served as a side dish accompanying meat. 

Some people like to serve it as a cold salad, when combined with other greens.

This relish is traditionally served with breads such as mealie pap, or with amasi, a type of thick sour milk.

 

 

RECIPE INGREDIENTS

1/4 cup cooking oil

1 medium onion diced

1-2 teaspoon curry powder

2 teaspoons garlic minced

1/2 teaspoon thyme

1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika

1 teaspoon cayenne pepper

1/2 teaspoon ginger minced

1-2 tomatoes

3-4 cups sliced cabbage

1 -2 Chili peppers diced seeds removed for less heat

1 large carrot grated on the large side or sliced thinly

1 medium green pepper diced

1 medium red pepper diced

1 14 ounce baked beans

1 teaspoons bouillon powder (optional)

 

 

DIRECTIONS ON SOUTH AFRICAN CHAKALAKA RECIPE

Heat oil over medium heat in a large saucepan or Dutch oven

Add onion, cook for a minute or two,

Stir in all the spices; garlic, ginger, smoked paprika, curry, cayenne pepper, thyme- continue stirring for about a minute to let the flavors bloom. Then add tomatoes, bell peppers, carrots and cabbage

Simmer for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent burns.

Finally add baked beans, bouillon powder stir Continue cooking for about 2-3 minutes.

Adjust for seasonings. Serve warm

 

 

ADDITIONAL RECIPE NOTES

Both fresh and canned tomatoes — whole or puréed — can be used for preparing chakalaka. Tomato purée will make the chakalaka more soup-like, and if necessary, its acidity can be balanced with a little sugar. 

On the other hand, fresh tomatoes can be grilled shortly before being added to the rest of the vegetables to develop full flavor.

Canned baked beans are the most common choice for chakalaka, because they do not require cooking.

Curry and leaf masala powder give chakalaka its distinctive spiciness. Both are a blend of various herbs and spices, most commonly composed of coriander, turmeric, chili powder, fennel, cumin, cloves, cinnamon, curry leaves, cardamom, pimento, star aniseed, and bay leaves to name a few.

Usually, they are added at the very beginning of preparation.

 

HERE ARE SOME MORE SOUTH AFRICAN RECIPES

BILTONG RECIPE

KOEKSISTERS RECIPE

MANDAZI RECIPE

BOBOTIE RECIPE

 

MAN SHALL NOT LIVE BY BREAD ALONE,BUT BY EVERY WORD(JESUS) THAT PROCEEDETH OUT OF THE MOUTH OF GOD.kjv