South African Chakalaka (Spicy Tomato and Bean Relish)

About This Recipe

South African Chakalaka is a real, traditional South African dish, known as Spicy Tomato and Bean Relish. A vibrant, chunky relish of tomatoes, carrots, bell peppers and beans, spiced with chili, a staple side at every South African braai.\n\nChakalaka developed in the townships of Johannesburg, historically a quick, affordable way to add spice and vegetables to a meal, and it remains one of South Africa's most beloved relishes served alongside grilled meats and pap.\n\nThe result is a dish worth making on its own merits: it rewards patience with the technique and delivers real, specific flavor rooted in South African home cooking, not a generic stand-in for a search term.

Ingredients

Serves 8

• 4 tbspneutral oil
• 1yellow onion(diced)
• 3carrots(grated)
• 2bell peppers(diced)
• 4garlic cloves(minced)
• 1 piecefresh ginger(minced)
• 1 tbspcurry powder
• 1 tspchili flakes
• 800 gcrushed tomatoes
• 400 gcanned baked beans(optional)
• 1 tspfine sea salt(to taste)

Instructions

1. 1

   Cook the onion

   Heat oil in a wide pot and cook the onion until soft, about 6 minutes.

2. 2

   Add vegetables

   Add grated carrots and diced bell peppers, cooking for 8 minutes until softened.

3. 3

   Add spices

   Stir in garlic, ginger, curry powder and chili flakes, cooking for 1 minute.

4. 4

   Add tomatoes

   Add crushed tomatoes and simmer for 20 minutes until thickened.

5. 5

   Add beans

   Stir in baked beans if using, and simmer for another 10 minutes to combine flavors.

6. 6

   Serve

   Season with salt and serve hot or at room temperature alongside grilled meat and pap.

Variations

• •

  Some households add cabbage for extra bulk and texture.

• •

  A version without beans is more common for a lighter, purely vegetable-based relish.

• •

  Serve cold the next day, as many say the flavor deepens with resting.

Storage

Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave with a splash of water or stock to loosen the texture.

Frequently Asked Questions