Best 3 Chakalaka Spicy Vegetable Relish Recipes
**Chakalaka: A Flavorful South African Vegetable Relish**
Chakalaka is a vibrant and flavorful South African vegetable relish that is a staple in many households. It is a versatile dish that can be served as a condiment, side dish, or even a main course. This spicy relish is typically made with a combination of carrots, bell peppers, onions, tomatoes, and spices. Some variations may also include beans, cabbage, or even meat. Chakalaka is a great way to add a burst of flavor to any meal and can be enjoyed with grilled meats, stews, pap (maize porridge), or simply as a spread on bread.
**Variations of Chakalaka Recipes:**
1. **Traditional Chakalaka Recipe:** This recipe stays true to the classic South African flavors, using a combination of carrots, bell peppers, onions, tomatoes, and a blend of spices.
2. **Spicy Chakalaka Recipe:** For those who love a bit of heat, this recipe amps up the spice level with the addition of chili peppers and cayenne pepper.
3. **Vegan Chakalaka Recipe:** This plant-based version of chakalaka is made without any animal products, using tofu or tempeh as a protein source.
4. **Chakalaka with Beans Recipe:** This variation adds beans to the mix, making it a more hearty and filling dish.
5. **Chakalaka with Cabbage Recipe:** Cabbage adds a crunchy texture and extra flavor to this version of chakalaka.
6. **Chakalaka with Meat Recipe:** For meat lovers, this recipe incorporates beef or chicken into the relish, making it a more substantial meal.
CHAKALAKA (SPICY VEGETABLE RELISH)
Like chutney in India or salsa in Mexico, no one in South Africa prepares chakalaka, a spicy vegetable relish, the same way. And if you ask anyone who makes the best version, they will likely name their own mother or grandmother. Here is our version, full of vegetables and spices. It's akin to giardiniera (the Italian mix of pickled vegetables that includes cauliflower and carrots) and also to English piccalilli relish, whose roots are in South Asian pickled vegetables, which is to say that cultures all across the world have some version of preserved vegetables that enhance many meals. Serve the chakalaka with bread, rice, grilled meats or fish, stews...anything. It's particularly delicious with grilled sausages or tucked into a grilled cheese sandwich.
Provided by Food Network
Categories condiment
Time 45m
Yield About 6 cups
Number Of Ingredients 15
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 (SPICY VEGETABLE RELISH)
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
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 AND CHEDDAR BRAAIBROODJIES (GRILLED CHEESE SANDWICH)
These grilled cheese sandwiches are typically truly grilled, meaning they are thrown on an outdoor grill over open coals, and are usually served as a sort of snack after a big barbecue (known as a braai in South Africa). They're a perfect midnight snack and the best way to make use of still-hot coals if you get a second wave of hunger after you've eaten a meal and the party is still going. The liberal spoonful of Chakalaka (Spicy Vegetable Relish) makes these extra special. If you don't have a jar of it in your fridge, you can use any type of relish or chutney. Since we don't want you to have to wait until you have an outdoor grill going just to make these, we simply call for a hot cast-iron pan. The mayonnaise spread on the outside of the sandwiches means every single bit of the bread will get browned and caramelized (remember, mayonnaise is basically just oil).
Provided by Food Network
Time 10m
Yield 1 sandwich (easily multiplied)
Number Of Ingredients 20
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 a slice of cheese, then top with the chakalaka and onion. Add another slice of 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.
- 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.
Tips:
- Choose ripe, flavorful vegetables: Fresh, high-quality vegetables will make all the difference in the taste of your chakalaka. Look for vegetables that are brightly colored and free of blemishes.
- Don't be afraid to adjust the heat level: Chakalaka is traditionally a spicy dish, but you can adjust the heat level to your liking. If you don't like spicy food, you can omit the chili peppers or use a milder variety. You can also add more chili peppers if you like it hot.
- Don't overcook the vegetables: The vegetables in chakalaka should be cooked until they are tender but still have a little bit of crunch. Overcooked vegetables will become mushy and lose their flavor.
- Serve chakalaka with your favorite dishes: Chakalaka is a versatile dish that can be served with a variety of dishes. It is traditionally served with grilled meats, but it can also be used as a condiment for sandwiches, wraps, or tacos. It can also be enjoyed as a side dish or as a snack.
Conclusion:
Chakalaka is a delicious and versatile dish that is easy to make. With its vibrant flavors and textures, it is sure to be a hit at your next party or gathering. So next time you're looking for a new and exciting dish to try, give chakalaka a try. You won't be disappointed!
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