Chakalaka
Chakalaka is a bold, aromatic South African vegetable relish made with black-eyed peas, peppers, carrots, tomatoes and warm curry spices. Slowly simmered until thick and spoonable, it delivers gentle heat, sweetness and depth, making it a versatile accompaniment to pap, grilled vegetables or breads. Vibrant and comforting, it is designed for sharing and large-batch service.
- 1h10
- NOT TOO TRICKY
- 8 PORTIONS
- DAIRY
Estimated Nutrition per Portion
Estimated Nutrition per Portion
- 260 kcal Calories
- 10 g Protein
- 34 g Carbohydrates
- 10 g Fat
- 9 g Fibre
- 8 g Sugar
Ingredients
| Quantity | Prep Instructions | ||
| Imperial | Metric | ||
| Black eyed peas or cowpeas | 1 cup | 85 g | |
| Olive oil | 2 tbsp | 30 ml | |
| Onions | 2 cups | 400 g | Small, diced |
| Scotch bonnet or habanero pepper | 1 each | Minced | |
| Ginger | 1 tbsp | 15 ml | Minced |
| Garlic cloves | 3 each | Smashed | |
| Mild curry powder | 2 tbsp | 30 ml | |
| Green bell pepper | 1 cup | 200 g | Seeded, diced into small pieces |
| Yellow bell pepper | 1 cup | 200 g | Seeded, diced into small pieces |
| Red bell pepper | 1 cup | 200 g | Seeded, diced into small pieces |
| Carrot | 2 cups | 400 g | Peeled, shredded |
| Canned tomatoes | 1½ cups | 300 g | Diced |
| Thyme sprig | 1 each | ||
| Vegetable stock or water | 1 cup | 250 ml | |
| Brown sugar | 1 tbsp | 30 ml | |
| Salt | To taste | ||
| Pepper | To taste | Fresh, ground | |
| Unsalted butter | 2 tbsp | 30 ml | |
| Parsley | 2 tbsp | 30 ml | Chopped |
Method
- Soak the peas overnight.
- After draining the water, cover the peas with fresh cold water and simmer for 30 minutes until soft. Strain and set them aside.
- In a large saucepan, sauté the onions in olive oil until soft and slightly browned.
- Add the garlic, ginger, and curry powder, and cook until aromatic.
- Add all the peppers and carrots, and sauté for a few minutes until softened.
- Add the canned tomatoes, peas, thyme, and vegetable stock. Cover and gently simmer on low heat for about 20 minutes until the mixture thickens.
- Add the brown sugar, salt, pepper, and butter. Stir to combine and then allow the mixture to cool.
- If desired, partially blend the mixture with an immersion blender.
- Stir in the parsley.
- To serve: Serve with pap and vegetables or greens.
