Chakalaka

Chakalaka is a spicy South African vegetable relish traditionally served with bread.

It is said to have originated in the townships of Johannesburg. There are many variations on how to make Chakalaka, often depending on region and family tradition. Many versions include beans.

To balance the fiery heat of the dish it is sometimes served with Amasi (sour milk).

This totally vegetarian dish is a combination of all the Chakalaka flavours which are slowly simmered to produce this ever so slightly spicy Johannesburg curry!

Note - also enjoyed as a side dish for your next barbeque!

Recipe

Serves 4

Ingredients 

2 cans of mixed beans drained

1 can of diced tomatoes

1 small jar sundried tomatoes chopped

1 green pepper de-seeded and chopped

1 cup grated carrots

1 large onion diced

1 T garlic finely chopped

1 T ginger finely chopped

1 tsp turmeric powder

1 tsp coriander powder

1 tsp cumin powder

1 tsp chili powder

2.5 tsp salt

3 T fresh lemon juice

2.5 T brown sugar

1 T apricot jam

1 can coconut milk

1/2 bunch of fresh coriander chopped

Method

  1. Sauté the onions in 3 T oil in a large oven proof pot.

  2. Add the garlic, ginger, spices, salt, lemon juice, sugar.

  3. Stir in the jam, the tomatoes, the sundried tomatoes, the coconut milk,     the green pepper, the grated carrots and the beans.

  4. Bake in the oven at 160 C with the lid on for 2 hours. 

  5. Adjust the salt.  

  6. Remove the lid and bake for a further 15 minutes.    

  7. Stir in the coriander and serve.

    Note: Serve over couscous or rice as an entrée!