Best 4 Chakalaka Recipes

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**Chakalaka: A Flavorful South African Dish with a Spicy Kick**

Chakalaka is a vibrant and flavorful South African dish that tantalizes the taste buds with its unique blend of spices, vegetables, and beans. Originating in the Zulu and Xhosa cultures, this delectable dish has become a staple in South African cuisine and is enjoyed by people of all ages. Chakalaka is typically served as a relish or condiment, adding a spicy and tangy kick to grilled meats, pap (maize porridge), or samp (a type of dried maize). This versatile dish can also be enjoyed as a side dish or even as a main course when paired with other ingredients. With its vibrant colors and bold flavors, chakalaka is a true culinary delight that showcases the richness of South African cuisine.

This article presents a collection of chakalaka recipes that cater to various dietary preferences and taste profiles. From the classic chakalaka recipe made with fresh vegetables, beans, and a blend of spices to a vegan version that uses plant-based ingredients, there is a chakalaka recipe for everyone. For those who prefer a milder flavor, there is a mild chakalaka recipe that tones down the heat without compromising on taste. Additionally, the article includes a chakalaka sauce recipe that can be used as a marinade, dipping sauce, or condiment, adding a burst of flavor to any dish. Whether you are a seasoned cook or new to South African cuisine, these chakalaka recipes will guide you in creating this delicious and versatile dish, allowing you to experience the vibrant flavors of South Africa in your own kitchen.

Let's cook with our recipes!

CHAKALAKA (SPICY VEGETABLE RELISH)



Chakalaka (Spicy Vegetable Relish) image

No one in South Africa prepares chakalaka, a spicy vegetable relish, the same way. Serve the chakalaka with grilled meats or fish, stews, rice...anything.

Provided by Hawa Hassan

Categories     South Africa     Vegetarian     Cabbage     Tomato     Onion     Ginger     Coriander     Side

Number Of Ingredients 15

2 tablespoons canola oil
1 small yellow onion, finely diced
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 Jalapeño, stemmed and minced
1 tablespoon minced ginger
2 teaspoons ground turmeric
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon ground coriander
1 teaspoon kosher salt, plus more as needed
1 small red bell pepper, stemmed, seeded, and finely diced
1 small yellow bell pepper, stemmed, seeded, and finely diced
3 large carrots, coarsely grated
½ small green cabbage, finely chopped (about 3 cups)
One 28-ounce can crushed tomatoes
2 tablespoons white vinegar or freshly squeezed lemon juice

Steps:

  • Warm the oil in a large Dutch oven or other heavy pot set over medium heat. Stir in the onion, garlic, jalapeño, and ginger. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the onion begins to soften, about 5 minutes. Add the turmeric, cumin, coriander, and salt. Cook, stirring, just until the spices are wonderfully fragrant, about 30 seconds. Stir in the bell peppers, carrots, cabbage, and tomatoes. Reduce the heat to medium-low and cook, uncovered, giving the mixture a stir every so often, until all the vegetables are tender and most of the liquid has evaporated, about 30 minutes. Turn off the heat, stir in the vinegar, and season the chakalaka to taste with salt. Let the chakalaka cool to room temperature and season it to taste one final time. Serve immediately or store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week, then serve it either cold or at room temperature.

CHAKALAKA (SOUTH AFRICAN VEGETABLE STIR-FRY)



Chakalaka (South African Vegetable Stir-Fry) image

This is a staple food in South Africa as well as other parts. My amaXhosa friend, Ntombizanele Sokupa, gave this recipe to me. She eats this with Pap -Recipe #309584, but says it can also be enjoyed as a side dish with meat or vegemeat or with bread. Thanks Zanele!

Provided by Enjolinfam

Categories     Curries

Time 40m

Yield 4 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 12

3 medium onions, diced
3 medium carrots, diced
2 medium green bell peppers, diced
3 medium tomatoes, diced
curry powder, to your taste
salt, to taste
pepper, to taste
green chili (optional)
1 vegetable bouillon cube
1 teaspoon chili powder
1 -2 tablespoon oil, for frying
1/4 cup water

Steps:

  • Fry the onion and pepper together with oil in a large skillet until the onion is clear.
  • Add the grated carrots, tomatoes, water, and all the seasonings to your liking and cook for about 15-20 minutes.

CHAKALAKA AND CHEDDAR BRAAIBROODJIES (GRILLED CHEESE SANDWICHES)



Chakalaka and Cheddar Braaibroodjies (Grilled Cheese Sandwiches) image

The liberal spoonful of Chakalaka (spicy vegetable relish) makes this grilled cheese sandwich recipe extra special.

Provided by Hawa Hassan

Categories     Lunch     Sandwich     Cheese     Tomato     Cabbage     Quick & Easy     South Africa

Number Of Ingredients 5

2 tablespoons mayonnaise
2 slices good-quality sandwich bread
¼ cup grated sharp white Cheddar cheese
¼ cup Chakalaka or any relish or chutney of your choice
2 thin slices onion (any type)

Steps:

  • Set a cast-iron pan or other heavy skillet over medium-high heat. Spread 1 tablespoon of the mayonnaise on one side of each slice of bread. Place one slice of bread mayonnaise-side down in the skillet and top it with half the cheese, then top with the chakalaka and onion. Sprinkle the remaining cheese on top of the onion, then place the second piece of bread, mayonnaise-side up, on top.
  • Cover the pan and cook until the bottom of the sandwich is browned, about 2 minutes. Give the sandwich a good press with a spatula and then carefully flip it over, cover, and cook until the second side is browned and the cheese has melted, about 2 minutes. Serve immediately.

CHAKALAKA



Chakalaka image

Recently enjoyed my first meal at a local South African restaurant here in Brooklyn. There we enjoyed this fabulous side dish - a spicy revamped rendition of baked beans. Of course, this sent me in search of a recipe to prepare at home. Found this one on the Internet and plan to try it soon. The original called for three times the amount of oil but I plan to make it as presented.

Provided by justcallmetoni

Categories     Onions

Time 30m

Yield 8 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 12

50 ml canola oil
30 g chopped fresh ginger
30 g chopped fresh garlic
20 g chopped chili peppers
200 g chopped onions
500 g tomatoes, roughly chopped
100 g green peppers, roughly chopped
100 g red peppers, roughly chopped
50 g leaves masala
200 g grated carrots
450 g vegetarian baked beans, in tomato sauce
10 g fresh coriander

Steps:

  • Fry ginger, garlic, chillis, onions in the oil.
  • Add the leaf masala or curry powder of your choice.
  • Add the tomatoes and cook for 10 minutes.
  • Add peppers and carrots and cook for 10 minutes. Add baked beans and cook for 5 minutes.
  • Remove from heat and add coriander. Check seasoning. Serve with whatever you want, hot or cold.

Tips:

  • Use ripe tomatoes: The riper the tomatoes, the sweeter and more flavorful the chakalaka will be.
  • Don't be afraid to add some heat: Chakalaka is traditionally a spicy dish, so don't be afraid to add some chili peppers or cayenne pepper to taste.
  • Use a variety of vegetables: The more vegetables you use, the more flavorful the chakalaka will be. Some good options include carrots, bell peppers, onions, and cabbage.
  • Cook the chakalaka over low heat: This will allow the flavors to develop and deepen.
  • Serve the chakalaka with your favorite protein: Chakalaka is a great side dish for grilled chicken, fish, or beef.

Conclusion:

Chakalaka is a delicious and versatile dish that can be enjoyed in many different ways. It's a great way to use up leftover vegetables, and it's also a healthy and affordable meal option. So next time you're looking for something new to try, give chakalaka a try!

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