Most African countries have delicacies that are unique and peculiar to them which foreigners find delectable. South African has quite a number of delicious and healthy dishes. One of them is Chakalaka. The South African spicy tomato, pepper, and onion dish Chakalaka have been a staple for so many black South African generations. Legend has it that the dish was developed by the men who were working in the goldmines. This dish is often great with barbecues but it is traditionally served with bread, pap, samp, stews, or curry.
Chakalaka has different ways in which it can be prepared and in South Africa, the variation could be based on region and family tradition. The spicy taste of chakalaka can be balanced with thick sour milk traditionally known as amasi. The chakalaka sauce’s main ingredient is either baked beans or boiled beans.
Recipe for this great South African delicacy
The time needed in preparing this dish is 40 minutes: 20 minutes for preparing all the ingredients and another 20 to 25 minutes for cooking the dish properly. Below are the ingredients for making delicious Chakalaka and the cooking instructions needed. The recipe given is only for four servings.
- ¼ cup cooking oil
- 1 medium onion diced
- 1-2 teaspoon curry powder
- 2 teaspoons garlic minced
- ½ teaspoon thyme
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- ½ ginger minced
- 1-2 tomatoes
- 3-4 cups sliced cabbage
- 1-2 chili peppers diced seeds removed for less heat
- 1 large carrot grated on the large side or sliced thinly
- 1 medium green pepper diced
- 1 medium red pepper diced
- 1 14 ounces baked beans
- 1 teaspoon bouillon powder(optional)
- Salt and seasoning to taste
Cooking instructions
- Heat the oil in a large saucepan and fry the onion until it is soft over medium heat
- Stir in all the spices that are garlic, ginger, smoked paprika, curry, cayenne pepper, thyme and continue stirring for a minute before adding tomatoes, bell peppers, carrots, and cabbage
- Stir and simmer for about 5 minutes to avoid burning.
- Add the baked beans, bouillon powder and continue stirring for about 2-3 minutes
- Taste and add seasoning if need be. It is better served warm.
Here are 5 Interesting Things About the South African Chakalaka
1. Chakalaka’s Nutritional Value
The nutritional value below has been provided by food experts and nutritionists. Chakalaka contains the following nutrients: Calories 215kcal (11%), carbohydrates 31g(10%), protein 6g (12), fat 9g(14%), sodium 468mg(20%), potassium 552mg(16%), fiber 7g (29%), sugar 13g (14%), vitamin A 434IU (87%), vitamin C 83.2MG(101%), calcium 65mg (7%) and lastly iron 1.9mg (11%). The percentage given is approximately for the quantity that has been given above.
2. The Dish Originated from Johannesburg
The delicacy is said to have originated in the townships of Johannesburg when Mozambican mineworkers coming to work on shifts cooked tinned produce like tomatoes and beans with a chill to produce a spicy relish with a Portuguese flair to go with pap.
3. To some Chakalaka is a Cooked Salad and to others, it is a Relish Dish
Chakalaka is seen in two ways by people who like it. Reports show that there are people who refer to this dish as a cooked salad while there are some who think it’s a spicy relish dish. Anyone you think doesn’t change the taste and nutritional value.
4. Chakalaka was on the Frequently Made African Vegan List in 2017
During the 30-day African Vegan Challenge, Chakalaka made a frequently made African vegan recipes list with other delicious dishes suitable for the vegan challenge. This dish has been described as a simple vegan recipe. Its original recipe is like a dish of onions, tomatoes, baked beans and some curry powder.
5. Other Side Dishes to Complement with Chakalaka
If you are looking for other dishes to complement the spicy dish Chakalaka, you might want to try side dishes like the black-eyed peas and sweet corn salad or a mango and avocado salsa to complement grilled meats and Chakalaka. South Africans are known for their love for braai or barbecue and every barbecue always features Chakalaka as a side dish. Any way one decides to prepare this dish is total to the person’s discretion since there is no just one way of making the spicy dish.
Image Source: FoodVows.co.za
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