Description
Spicy South African chakalaka brings fiery vegetable excitement to any plate with its bold, zesty flavors. Homemade comfort combines bell peppers, carrots, and onions into a quick side dish you’ll crave alongside grilled meats or as a zinger for sandwiches.
Ingredients
Scale
Vegetables:
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 red bell pepper, seeded and diced
- 1 green bell pepper, seeded and diced
- 2 medium carrots, grated or finely chopped
- 1–2 fresh green chilies, deseeded and finely chopped (optional)
Canned Ingredients:
- 1 can (14.5 ounces / 411 grams) diced tomatoes
- 1 can (15 ounces / 425 grams) baked beans (or kidney beans, drained and rinsed)
Seasonings and Other Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 2 tablespoons curry powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Juice of 1/2 lemon (optional)
Instructions
- Warm vegetable oil in a spacious pan over medium heat, creating a sizzling foundation for the chakalaka.
- Introduce chopped onions and minced garlic, sautéing for 3-4 minutes until the onions transform into a translucent, fragrant base.
- Incorporate red and green bell peppers, carrots, and optional green chilies, allowing the vegetables to soften and release their vibrant colors for approximately 5 minutes.
- Pour in diced tomatoes with their natural juices and beans, stirring to create a harmonious vegetable medley.
- Enhance the mixture with curry powder, smoked paprika, and ground cumin, distributing the spices evenly. Season with salt and pepper to elevate the flavor profile.
- Reduce heat to low, letting the chakalaka simmer for 15-20 minutes, occasionally stirring to prevent sticking and encourage flavor integration.
- Finish with a splash of lemon juice during the final moments of cooking to brighten the overall taste.
- Conduct a final taste test, adjusting seasonings as needed. Serve the chakalaka warm or at room temperature, embracing its vibrant and comforting essence.
Notes
- Adjust spice levels by controlling the amount of green chilies or curry powder for personalized heat intensity.
- Swap canned beans with fresh or different varieties like butter beans or black beans for texture variation.
- Use fresh tomatoes during summer season for enhanced natural sweetness and vibrant flavor profile.
- Consider making a larger batch and storing in refrigerator for up to 3-4 days, as flavors develop and improve over time.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: South African
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 173 kcal
- Sugar: 8 g
- Sodium: 310 mg
- Fat: 7 g
- Saturated Fat: 1 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 23 g
- Fiber: 6 g
- Protein: 7 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg