Side Dish

Chakalaka

Name: Chakalaka
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 50 min
Yield: 4 servings
Cuisine: south_african
Ingredients: 2 tbsp vegetable oil; 1 pcs onion finely chopped; 2 clove garlic minced; 1 tsp ginger grated; 1 tbsp curry powder; 1 tsp smoked paprika; 0.5 tsp chili powder; 1 pcs bell pepper diced; 2 pcs carrot grated; 400 g canned chopped tomatoes; 400 g canned baked beans in tomato sauce; 120 ml vegetable broth; 0.5 tsp salt; 0.25 tsp black pepper; 2 tbsp fresh cilantro chopped (optional)

Chakalaka is a vibrant South African vegetable relish, typically served as a side dish. This vegan version combines various vegetables in a spicy tomato-based sauce, offering a burst of flavor and texture. It's an excellent accompaniment to grilled foods or stews.

An original recipe by Forkin

Total time: 50 min
Serves: 4
Difficulty: Medium

Mise en place

Ingredients

2 tbspvegetable oil
1 pcsonion, finely chopped
2 clovegarlic, minced
1 tspginger, grated
1 tbspcurry powder
1 tspsmoked paprika
0.5 tspchili powder
1 pcsbell pepper, diced
2 pcscarrot, grated
400 gcanned chopped tomatoes
400 gcanned baked beans in tomato sauce
120 mlvegetable broth
0.5 tspsalt
0.25 tspblack pepper

garnish

2 tbspfresh cilantro, chopped(optional)

Equipment

grater · large pot · wooden spoon · cutting board · knife

The method

Step by step

1
Heat the vegetable oil in a large pot or deep skillet over medium heat.
About 2 min
2
Add the onion and cook until softened and translucent, about 5-7 minutes.
About 7 min
3
Stir in the garlic and ginger, cooking for another minute until fragrant.
About 1 min
4
Add the curry powder, smoked paprika, and chili powder, and cook for 30 seconds, stirring constantly.
About 1 min
Cook’s note: Toasting the spices briefly enhances their flavor.
5
Add the bell pepper and carrot to the pot, stirring well to combine with the spices.
About 2 min
6
Pour in the canned chopped tomatoes, canned baked beans, and vegetable broth.
About 1 min
7
Season with salt and black pepper.
8
Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender and the sauce has thickened slightly.
About 20 min
Cook’s note: Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
9
Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
About 1 min
10
Garnish with fresh cilantro before serving, if desired.

Keep it good

Storage

Store leftover Chakalaka in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave until warmed through.