South African vegetable relish or side dish called Chakalaka, originating from townships ()
Have you ever heard of Chakalaka? I came across this interesting vegetable jumble while researching a trip to South Africa. I had no idea what this spunky-sounding dish could be. All I knew is it was fun to say and reminded me of the 1993, Tag Team song “Whoomp [There it is].” I decided to make it and I’m so excited to share it here.
Chakalaka is a vegetable and bean relish originating in South Africa. The word chakalaka means “all together” in the Zulu language, which is exactly how this sauté and dump recipe goes. It emerged from the townships surrounding Johannesburg. The base ingredients are onions, bell peppers, carrots and baked beans and recipes vary by region and individual preferences. Here is my version.
Ingredients:
3 tablespoons oil
1 medium onion, chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
2 large tomatoes, chopped
2 large carrots, grated
2 cups cabbage, shredded
1 cup colored bell peppers, chopped
1 tablespoon curry powder
1 teaspoon of BBQ seasoning
1 14 ounce can baked beans
3 tablespoons cilantro, chopped
Salt, to taste
Red chili flakes, to taste
Optional:
1 tablespoon brown sugar
1 tablespoon ketchup
2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
1 cup vegetable broth
Steps:
(Preparation time about 30 minutes)
1. Prepare the veggies and set aside.
2. In a large pot, heat cooking oil. Add onions, bell peppers, garlic and ginger. Sauté till tender, about 10 minutes.
3. Add in dry spices. Stir, about two minutes.
4. Add carrots, tomatoes and cabbage. Gently mix.
5. Add in the baked beans. Gently mix.
6. Lower heat to medium. Cover and cook for about 10 minutes.
7. Now add in the cilantro. Gently mix. Reduce heat and simmer for five minutes until thickened.
8. Optional: Add in vegetable broth to give the relish a sauce-like consistency.
Recipe Notes:
· You can substitute baked beans with cannellini beans. Add in Worcestershire sauce, ketchup and brown sugar to mimic the baked-bean flavor.
· Be creative with the spices. Any BBQ-flavored spice will work, even bottled barbecue sauce. I used McCormick Brown Sugar Bourbon seasoning.
Traditionally, chakalaka is more of a relish served with bread. I made it saucy to serve over rice. It’s a key component you’ll find at most South African barbecues, served as a side dish to meat. Try it. And I dare you not to sing the previously mentioned 90’s song while you make it!
Adapted from Immaculate Bites: https://www.africanbites.com/chakalaka/
