A little adventure for your everyday table
South Africa · Homemade, your way

South Africa Chakalaka

Make a colorful South African vegetable relish with carrots, peppers, tomatoes, curry powder, and beans for a lively barbecue side.

Prep time
15 min
Cook time
25 min
Total time
40 min
Servings
6
↓ Jump to recipe
VeganOne PotMake Ahead
South African chakalaka vegetable relish.
Photo: philipp from cape town, south africa · Source · CC BY 2.0. South African chakalaka vegetable relish.

Chakalaka has many household variations, from very spicy to gently seasoned. This version uses canned beans in tomato sauce for a sweet, savory finish and enough vegetables to keep each spoonful textured. Choose a vegan brand of beans for the vegan version. Serve the relish warm, or chill it for a convenient make-ahead accompaniment.

Let’s make it

South Africa Chakalaka

Serves 6 · Prep 15 min · Cook 25 min · Total 40 min

Ingredients

Step-by-step instructions

  1. Warm the oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add the onion and bell pepper; cook for 7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until softened.
  2. Add the carrots and cook for 4 minutes. Stir in the garlic, curry powder, and cayenne; cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
  3. Add the tomatoes with their juices and the salt. Simmer uncovered for 8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are tender and the liquid reduces.
  4. Fold in the beans with their sauce. Simmer gently for 5 minutes, stirring to prevent sticking. The relish should be thick, with distinct pieces of pepper and carrot. Serve warm or cool promptly for later.

A few kitchen notes

  • Grate carrots coarsely so they retain some texture.

Ingredient substitutions

  • Replace green pepper with red pepper for a sweeter finish.

Storage & reheating

Refrigerate within 2 hours in a covered container for 4 days. Reheat to 165°F (74°C) or serve chilled.

What to serve with it

Spoon alongside grilled vegetables, pap, or crusty bread.

A conversation around the table

Comments & kitchen questions

Have a question, a useful substitution, or a result to share? Your feedback helps us make this recipe clearer and more useful.

Loading the kitchen conversation…

Your name and comment can appear publicly after review. Please leave out private details. Comments are moderated before publication.

Questions from the kitchen

Can I make South Africa Chakalaka ahead?

Refrigerate within 2 hours in a covered container for 4 days. Reheat to 165°F (74°C) or serve chilled.

What if I can’t find an ingredient?

Replace green pepper with red pepper for a sweeter finish.