Chakalaka
A spicy vegetable relish of carrots, peppers, tomatoes and beans, served warm or cold with braai meats, pap and bread. It is colorful, tangy and gently hot.

Chakalaka: philipp from cape town, south africa, CC BY 2.0 (Wikimedia Commons)
Where it comes from
Chakalaka is thought to have started in the townships near Johannesburg, and spread across South Africa as a favorite side dish at barbecues and family tables.
Explore the cuisine of South Africa.
Recipe
Make Chakalaka at home
Ingredients
- 2 tbsp oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 garlic cloves
- 1 inch ginger, grated
- 1 tbsp curry powder
- 1 green chili, chopped
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 2 carrots, grated
- 1 can chopped tomatoes
- 1 can baked beans
- 1/2 small cabbage, shredded (optional)
- salt and sugar
How it's made
- Heat oil and cook the onion until soft.
- Add garlic, ginger, curry powder and chili; cook for a minute.
- Stir in the bell pepper and carrots and cook 5 minutes.
- Add the tomatoes and simmer 10 minutes.
- Add the baked beans and cabbage and cook 10 minutes more.
- Season with salt and a pinch of sugar; serve warm or at room temperature.
Variations
- Mild chakalaka for kids, with less chili.
- Chakalaka with butternut squash.
Cook’s tip: Let it rest a few hours; the flavors deepen and it tastes even better the next day.
Also on the menu in
Related dishes

BraaiMain dishes · South Africa

BobotieMain dishes · South Africa

UgaliMain dishes · Kenya

MujaddaraMain dishes · Lebanon
About this page
Description and method written by Intercontinental Chef. Home-style method; quantities are a starting point, so adjust to taste.
Photo credit
- Chakalaka: philipp from cape town, south africa, CC BY 2.0 (Wikimedia Commons)
