Chakalaka Recipe (Easy South African Spicy Vegetable Relish)
A flavorful, traditional South African chakalaka made with vegetables, spices, and beans. This easy one-pot relish pairs perfectly with rice, bread, barbecues, and grilled meats. Ready in under 30 minutes!
⭐ Why You’ll Love This Chakalaka Recipe
- 100% vegetarian and can be made vegan
- Budget-friendly pantry ingredients
- Perfect for meal prep
- Authentic South African flavor
- Great as a relish, side dish, or dip
🥘 Ingredients
- 1 large onion (finely chopped)
- 2 garlic cloves (minced)
- 1 green bell pepper (diced)
- 1 red bell pepper (diced)
- 2 carrots (grated)
- 2 tomatoes (chopped)
- 1 can baked beans in tomato sauce
- 2 tbsp oil
- 1–2 green chilies (optional)
- 1 tbsp curry powder
- 1 tsp paprika
- Salt to taste
- Black pepper to taste
🍳 How to Make Chakalaka (Step-by-Step)
Step 1 — Sauté the aromatics
Heat oil in a pan. Add onions and garlic. Cook until soft and fragrant.
Step 2 — Add peppers and carrots
Stir in the bell peppers and grated carrots. Cook for 4–5 minutes until softened.
Step 3 — Add tomatoes and spices
Add tomatoes, curry powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook until tomatoes break down.
Step 4 — Add beans
Pour in the canned baked beans and mix well.
Step 5 — Simmer & serve
Simmer for 5–7 minutes. Adjust seasoning. Serve warm or chilled.
🍽 Serving Suggestions
Chakalaka pairs well with:
- Pap (South African maize porridge)
- Grilled chicken
- Braai (BBQ meats)
- Bread rolls
- Rice
- Couscous
- Roasted vegetables
❄️ Storage
- Refrigerator: Up to 4 days
- Freezer: Up to 2 months
(Store in airtight containers.)
❓ FAQs About Chakalaka Recipe
1. What is chakalaka made of?
It’s a South African relish made from onions, peppers, carrots, tomatoes, spices, and baked beans.
2. Is chakalaka spicy?
It can be mild or spicy depending on how much chili or curry powder you add.
3. Can I make chakalaka without beans?
Yes. Many authentic versions don’t use beans—just vegetables and spices.
4. What can I eat chakalaka with?
It’s commonly served with pap, BBQ meats, rice, or bread.
5. Is chakalaka vegan?
Yes—this recipe is naturally vegan.
6. Can I meal prep chakalaka?
Absolutely. It stores well and tastes better the next day.
🔄 Similar Recipes You May Like
- South African Bobotie
- Kenyan Nyama Choma
- Nigerian Jollof Rice
- Ethiopian Doro Wat
- Peri Peri Chicken
- Vegetable Curry
- Spicy Carrot Salad
- Bean Stew Recipe

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