Chakalaka

Bursting with vibrant flavors, Chakalaka is a South African vegetable relish that’s as colorful as it is delicious. This beloved dish combines simple, wholesome ingredients like bell peppers, grated carrots, tomatoes, and a kick of green chilies, all simmered in aromatic spices like curry powder and paprika. Finished with hearty baked beans for extra texture and protein, Chakalaka is a versatile addition to any meal. Ready in under an hour, it’s perfect as a side dish for grilled meats, pap, or crusty bread, making it both a weeknight staple and a party favorite. Whether you're exploring African cuisines or looking for a healthy, flavorful side, this one-pot wonder delivers boldness and comfort in every bite.

Nutriscore Rating: 80/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:30 mins

Total Time:50 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 1 large onion
• 2 medium bell peppers (red, green, or yellow)
• 4 medium carrots
• 4 medium tomatoes
• 3 cloves garlic
• 1 teaspoon ginger
• 2 small green chilies
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 teaspoon curry powder
• 1 teaspoon ground paprika
• 1 can baked beans
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley

Directions

Step 1

Peel and finely chop the onion. Dice the bell peppers. Grate the carrots. Chop the tomatoes into small pieces. Mince the garlic and ginger.

Step 2

Heat the vegetable oil in a large pan over medium heat.

Step 3

Add the chopped onion to the pan and sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened.

Step 4

Stir in the garlic, ginger, and green chilies, and cook for an additional 2 minutes.

Step 5

Add the bell peppers to the pan and cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Step 6

Mix in the grated carrots and cook for another 3-4 minutes until slightly softened.

Step 7

Add the chopped tomatoes, curry powder, and paprika. Stir well to combine all the flavors.

Step 8

Cover the pan and let the mixture simmer for 10 minutes until the tomatoes break down and create a sauce-like consistency.

Step 9

Add the can of baked beans, salt, and black pepper. Stir thoroughly and allow the mixture to heat through for 5-7 minutes.

Step 10

Taste and adjust the seasoning if necessary.

Step 11

Garnish with freshly chopped parsley before serving.

Step 12

Serve warm as a side dish with grilled meat, pap (maize meal), or bread.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1689.8g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1059.5

Total Fat 31.6g	0%
Saturated Fat 4.8g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 18.2g
Cholesterol 0mg	0%
Sodium 4384.7mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 171.7g	0%
Dietary Fiber 46.1g	0%
Total Sugars 78.6g
Protein 33.1g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 453.4mg	0%
Iron 7.5mg	0%
Potassium 4257.6mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 25.8%

Protein: 12.0%

Carbs: 62.2%