South African Chakalaka

In relation to our post about the mission opportunities in South Africa, we present to you a recipe for the traditional cultural dish: chakalaka. Adventurous souls looking to spice up their dinner table or next barbeque will love this side dish.

Ingredients:

  • 3 tablespoons vegetable oil
  • 2 onions , chopped
  • 2 bell peppers , chopped
  • 2 -3 hot chili peppers , minced (more or less depending on heat desired)
  • 2 -3 garlic cloves , minced
  • 2 teaspoons curry powder
  • 3 tomatoes , chopped
  • 1 (15 ounce) can vegetarian baked beans in tomato sauce
  • salt , to taste

Optional Ingredients:

  • minced fresh ginger (added with the onions)
  • grated carrot (added with the onions)
  • shredded cabbage (added after the tomatoes and simmered until cooked)
  • chopped cauliflower (added after the tomatoes and simmered until cooked)
  • chopped cilantro (stirred in at the end)

Directions: Heat the oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add the onions, bell peppers, chile peppers, garlic and curry powder(if using ginger and/or carrots, add now). Saute, stirring frequently, until the onions and peppers are cooked down and wilted, about 4 to 5 minutes. Stir in the tomatoes and bring to a boil(if using shredded cabbage and/or chopped cauliflower add now). Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer for about 5 minutes. Stir in the baked beans, salt and pepper and stir to heat through. (If using chopped cilantro add now). Serve hot or cold. Makes 4-6 servings.