Chakalaka (South African spicy vegetables)

A South African dish of grated vegetables and beans simmered in a spicy curried tomato sauce. Colourful, punchy and inexpensive, it is served as a side or a plant-based main.

Prep time: 15 min  |  Cook time: 20 min  |  Servings: 4  |  Difficulty: Easy

Calculated per portion from Anses Ciqual 2025 values for each ingredient, based on the quantities in the list. Household measures (spoonfuls, pieces) use average weights. 134 kcal · 6 g protein · 19 g carbohydrate · 2 g fat

Ingredients

• 3 carrots
• 1 pepper
• 1 tin of white beans
• 1 tin of chopped tomatoes
• 1 onion
• 1 tbsp curry powder
• 1 chilli

Method

1. Fry the onion, curry powder and chilli.
2. Add the grated carrots and the pepper.
3. Add the tomatoes and the beans.
4. Simmer for 12 minutes.

Nutritional benefits

The carrots and peppers provide fibre, vitamin C and beta-carotene, and the white beans plant protein and fibre, for few calories. Chakalaka is a colourful, spicy South African dish, healthy and inexpensive, to serve as a side or a plant-based main. Naturally vegan and gluten-free.

Variations and substitutions

• With baked beans (traditional).
• Hotter or milder depending on the chilli.
• With added cabbage.
• Served hot or cold.

Storage and making ahead

Keeps for 4 days and the flavour improves; enjoy it hot or cold. A good batch cooking dish.

💡 Good to know

Chakalaka is just as good cold as hot: make it ahead and it goes with grilled meat and everyday meals.

Related reading

Discover more vegetarian recipes · vegan recipes · weight-loss recipes · gluten-free recipes · dairy-free recipes.

The foods in this recipe: carrots · pepper · white beans · tomatoes · onion.

You might also like these recipes: Homemade ratatouille · Baba ganoush (aubergine dip) · Tomato and cucumber gazpacho.