If you’ve ever wanted to dive into a dish bursting with vibrant colors, rich spices, and a comforting yet lively flavor, then this Simple Chakalaka Recipe is your new best friend in the kitchen. This South African classic is a beautifully layered vegetable relish that’s both wholesome and packed with personality. It’s incredibly easy to make, yet every spoonful delivers a delightful medley of textures and spices that dance on your palate. Whether you’re a chakalaka newbie or a seasoned fan, this recipe brings a warm, satisfying taste of home that’s perfect for any meal.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are a fantastic mix of fresh vegetables, aromatic spices, and hearty beans that come together effortlessly. Each one plays a key role in building the bold, dynamic flavor and colorful appeal of the Simple Chakalaka Recipe.
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil: This is your cooking base to soften the veggies and bring everything together with a silky texture.
- 1 onion, finely chopped: Adds sweetness and depth as it softens during cooking.
- 1 green bell pepper, chopped: Brings crispness and a fresh bite to the mix.
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped: Adds a vibrant color and subtle sweetness.
- 1 carrot, grated: Provides a slight earthiness and natural sweetness that balances the spices.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Infuses fragrant warmth and a little punch.
- 1 tablespoon curry powder: The heart of the dish, giving it that iconic South African flavor profile.
- 1 teaspoon paprika: Adds depth and a mild smoky undertone.
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional for extra heat): For those who like a bit of fiery excitement in their chakalaka.
- 1 can (14 oz) baked beans in tomato sauce: This packs in protein and saucy richness that ties the vegetables together.
- 2 medium tomatoes, chopped: Freshness and acidity brighten the dish beautifully.
- 1/4 cup tomato paste: Intensifies the tomato flavor and gives a luscious texture.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential seasoning to elevate all the vibrant ingredients.
- Fresh coriander (cilantro) for garnish (optional): Adds a fresh herbal note and pops of green color.
How to Make Simple Chakalaka Recipe
Step 1: Heat the Vegetable Oil and Sauté the Veggies
Start by warming up the vegetable oil in a large pan over medium heat. Then toss in the finely chopped onion along with both the green and red bell peppers. The goal here is to gently soften these veggies until the onion becomes translucent and everything smells wonderfully sweet and inviting. This step lays the flavorful foundation for your chakalaka.
Step 2: Add the Grated Carrot and Garlic
Next, stir in the grated carrot and minced garlic. These two ingredients add a subtle sweetness and a warm aromatic punch that starts to build the depth of flavor. Cook these for about two minutes while stirring occasionally, making sure the garlic doesn’t brown too quickly and turn bitter.
Step 3: Season with Spices
Here’s where the magic of this Simple Chakalaka Recipe really begins. Add the curry powder, paprika, and if you’re feeling adventurous, a little cayenne pepper for heat. Stir everything well so the vegetables are evenly coated in those spices. Let it cook for about a minute until the spices become fragrant, releasing all those incredible aromas into your kitchen.
Step 4: Add the Beans, Tomatoes, and Tomato Paste
Now pour in the canned baked beans along with their tomato sauce, the chopped fresh tomatoes, and the tomato paste. Stir these all together with the vegetables and spices so that every bite will have a luscious combination of flavors. This step thickens the dish and adds that hearty, comforting quality chakalaka is known for.
Step 5: Simmer to Let Flavors Meld
Reduce the heat to low and let your chakalaka simmer gently for 10 to 15 minutes. This slow cooking ensures the spices permeate every ingredient and the sauce thickens nicely. Be sure to stir occasionally to prevent anything from sticking or burning at the bottom. This simmering time truly brings everything together into a harmonious dish.
Step 6: Season to Taste and Serve
Give your Simple Chakalaka Recipe a final taste and add salt and pepper as needed to bring out all the flavors. If you like, garnish with fresh coriander for a bright, herbal finish. Serve it warm and enjoy that perfect balance of spicy, sweet, tangy, and savory in every spoonful.
How to Serve Simple Chakalaka Recipe
Garnishes
Adding fresh coriander (cilantro) at the end gives the Simple Chakalaka Recipe a fresh burst of color and a lovely herbal lift that brightens the dish. You could also add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice or some chopped green chilies if you want to experiment with different flavor accents.
Side Dishes
Chakalaka pairs beautifully with a wide range of sides. Traditionally, it’s fabulous alongside pap, a South African maize porridge that’s creamy and mild, perfect for soaking up all those savory juices. It also complements simple steamed rice, crusty bread, or grilled meats like boerewors sausages or chicken for a hearty meal.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to turn chakalaka into a showstopper, try serving it as a colorful topping for baked potatoes or spoon it over roasted sweet potatoes for a wholesome twist. It also works well as a filling for wraps or tortillas alongside grilled veggies or meat, creating an easy and tasty meal on the go.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Simple Chakalaka Recipe keeps really well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Store it in an airtight container to preserve the freshness of the vegetables and the vibrant spices. It’s a great make-ahead dish that tastes even better the next day when the flavors have had extra time to meld.
Freezing
This chakalaka freezes beautifully, making it a convenient option for busy weeks. Cool it completely before transferring to a freezer-safe container or ziplock bag. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. Just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for best results.
Reheating
To reheat, warm the chakalaka gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally until heated through. If it seems too thick, add a splash of water to loosen the sauce. You can also microwave it in a covered container, stirring halfway through to heat evenly.
FAQs
What is chakalaka traditionally served with?
Chakalaka is traditionally enjoyed with pap, a South African maize porridge, but it’s also fantastic alongside rice, bread, or grilled meats, adding a flavorful vegetable boost to any meal.
Can I make this Simple Chakalaka Recipe vegan?
Absolutely! This recipe is naturally vegan as it uses beans and vegetables without any animal products, making it perfect for plant-based diets.
How spicy is chakalaka?
The heat level can be adjusted to your liking. The recipe includes optional cayenne pepper, so if you like it mild, skip the cayenne, or add more if you enjoy a spicier kick.
Can I use other beans instead of baked beans?
You can experiment with different beans such as kidney beans or canned navy beans, but baked beans in tomato sauce add a signature sweetness and sauciness that really defines chakalaka.
Is chakalaka served hot or cold?
Chakalaka is typically served warm as a side or relish, but it can also be enjoyed at room temperature or chilled, making it a versatile dish for different occasions.
Final Thoughts
This Simple Chakalaka Recipe is a vibrant celebration of flavors and textures, quick enough for a weekday dinner yet special enough to impress guests. I encourage you to try making it yourself — it’s one of those dishes that warms the soul and brings a burst of sunshine to your plate. Once you taste it, chakalaka will become a beloved staple in your kitchen too!
Print
Simple Chakalaka Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: South African
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Simple Chakalaka is a vibrant South African vegetable relish that is packed with flavor and spices. This recipe features sautéed onions, bell peppers, carrots, and garlic combined with baked beans, tomatoes, and curry spices. It’s a quick and easy dish that simmers to develop rich, hearty flavors, perfect as a side for pap, rice, or grilled meats.
Ingredients
Vegetables & Aromatics
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 1 green bell pepper, chopped
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped
- 1 carrot, grated
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Spices & Seasonings
- 1 tablespoon curry powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional for extra heat)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Beans & Tomatoes
- 1 can (14 oz) baked beans in tomato sauce
- 2 medium tomatoes, chopped
- 1/4 cup tomato paste
Garnish
- Fresh coriander (cilantro) for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Heat oil and sauté vegetables: Heat the vegetable oil in a large pan over medium heat until hot and shimmering.
- Sauté onion and peppers: Add the chopped onion, green bell pepper, and red bell pepper to the pan. Cook, stirring occasionally, for about 5 minutes until the vegetables soften and the onions turn translucent.
- Add carrot and garlic: Stir in the grated carrot and minced garlic. Cook for an additional 2 minutes, stirring occasionally to blend flavors.
- Season with spices: Add the curry powder, paprika, and cayenne pepper if using. Stir well to coat the vegetables evenly, and cook for another minute until the spices release their aroma.
- Add beans and tomatoes: Pour in the canned baked beans along with the tomato sauce, chopped fresh tomatoes, and tomato paste. Stir thoroughly to combine all ingredients.
- Simmer: Reduce the heat to low, allowing the chakalaka to simmer gently for 10 to 15 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and to let the flavors meld beautifully.
- Season to taste: Taste the dish and adjust salt and pepper as needed for balanced flavor.
- Serve: Garnish with fresh coriander if desired and serve warm. This spicy vegetable relish pairs wonderfully with pap, rice, or grilled meats.
Notes
- For extra heat, increase the cayenne pepper to taste or add a chopped chili pepper during the sauté step.
- Chakalaka can be prepared a day ahead; flavors develop more intensely after resting.
- This recipe is naturally vegetarian and can be made vegan by ensuring the baked beans contain no animal products.
- Adjust the thickness of the sauce by adding a splash of water if it becomes too thick during simmering.
- Use fresh coriander for garnish for a bright, fresh flavor contrast.
