Chakalaka is a traditional South African dish, which is enjoyed by many people around the world. This spicy and colorful relish is made with vegetables, beans, and spices. It is a versatile dish that can be eaten with different types of food, from pap (porridge) to bread, roti, or even meat. In this blog post, we will guide you on how to cook chakalaka.
Ingredients
To make chakalaka, you need the following ingredients:
- 1 can of baked beans
- 1 onion, chopped
- 1 green pepper, chopped
- 1 red pepper, chopped
- 2 carrots, grated
- 2 tomatoes, chopped
- 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil
- 2 tablespoons of curry powder
- 1 teaspoon of garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
Here are the step-by-step instructions on how to cook chakalaka:
Step 1: Prepare the vegetables
Chop the onions, green and red peppers, and tomatoes. Grate the carrots and set them aside.
Step 2: Heat the oil
In a large saucepan or pot, heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil. Add the onions and sauté for a few minutes until they are soft.
Step 3: Add the vegetables
Add the green and red peppers to the pot and sauté for 3-4 minutes until they start to soften. Add the grated carrots and garlic and continue to sauté for another minute.
Step 4: Add the spices
Add 2 tablespoons of curry powder to the pot and stir well. Cook for another minute to let the spices release their flavors.
Step 5: Add the baked beans
Drain the can of baked beans, and add them to the pot. Stir well and let the mixture cook for 2-3 minutes until heated through.
Step 6: Season with salt and pepper
Add salt and pepper to taste, and stir well. Cook for another minute or two until everything is well combined.
Serving Suggestions
Chakalaka makes a great side dish and can be served with many different meals. Here are a few serving suggestions:
- Serve with pap (porridge) and boerewors (South African sausage)
- Serve with bread or rolls
- Serve with rice or mashed potatoes
If you want to make it a main dish, try adding some meat such as chicken or beef to the mix.
Conclusion
Cooking chakalaka is not difficult, and with this recipe, you can make it at home. The dish is vegetarian, healthy, and full of flavor. You can adjust the spices according to your taste, and experiment with different vegetables to create your own version of chakalaka. We hope you enjoy making and eating this delicious dish
