Today, we’ll take a look at a traditional African dish. I was watching a documentary about Africa and right next to jollof rice and dodo, the dish that caught my eye was Chakalaka. Loved not only for it’s musical name, Chakalaka is a South African spicy staple made primarily of vegetables and beans. Let’s take a look at how to make this dish. It’s very simple and takes no time at all.
Ingredients.
- 3 tbsp oil
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, crushed
- 50g ginger, finely grated
- 2 green chillies, deseeded and chopped
- 2 tbsp mild curry powder
- 1 green pepper, finely chopped
- 1 red pepper, finely chopped
- 1 yellow pepper, finely chopped
- 5 large carrots, grated
- 2 tbsp tomato purée
- 400g tomatoes
- 2 sprigs fresh thyme, leaves only (these can be found in Shoprite, or dried thyme can be used)
- 400g can baked beans
- Salt and pepper to taste
Procedure.
1. Heat the oil in a large pot. Pour in the onions and fry till soft and translucent. Pour in the garlic, chilli and half of the ginger. Stir in the curry powder until fully combined.
2. Pour in the peppers and cook for 2 minutes until slightly fragrant.
3. Pour in the carrots, chopped tomatoes and tomato puree.
4. Cook the mixture for about 7 minutes until slightly thickened.
5. Taste for salt and pepper and season to your satisfaction.
6. Take off the heat, and put in the thyme, ginger and baked beans.
Stir and serve hot.