Chakalaka

Name: Chakalaka
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Yield: 6 servings
Cuisine: Lesotho
Ingredients: 1 onion, chopped; 2 bell peppers, chopped; 2 carrots, grated; 2 tomatoes, chopped; 1 can baked beans; 1 tbsp curry powder; 1 chili pepper, minced; 2 tbsp oil; Salt to taste

6 servings15 min prep25 min cookEasy Lesotho

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The Story Behind It

The Tale of Chakalaka

Story updated September 17, 2026

Chakalaka is a spicy vegetable relish believed to have originated among township communities in South Africa in the mid-20th century, likely in Johannesburg's mining and township kitchens, as a quick way to add heat and flavor to simple starches. It spread across Southern Africa, including Lesotho, and is typically served alongside pap, bread, or braaied meat.

Ingredients

Scale:· 6 servings

1 onion, chopped
2 bell peppers, chopped
2 carrots, grated
2 tomatoes, chopped
1 can baked beans
1 tbsp curry powder
1 chili pepper, minced
2 tbsp oil
Salt to taste

Instructions

1Heat oil in a large pan and sauté the chopped onion until softened.
2Add the bell peppers and grated carrots, cooking for several minutes until slightly tender.
3Stir in the curry powder and minced chili, cooking briefly until fragrant.
4Add the chopped tomatoes and cook until they break down into a thick sauce.
5Stir in the baked beans, combining well with the vegetable mixture.
6Simmer everything together for 10-15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken.
7Season with salt to taste.
8Serve hot as a side dish alongside pap, grilled meat, or bread.

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