Recipes
Global

South African Chakalaka with Garden Vegetables

A spicy, tangy vegetable relish made with peppers, carrots, tomatoes, and beans—perfect with rice, bread, or grilled meals.

Ingredients

  • 1 onion
  • 2–3 carrots
  • 1–2 bell peppers
  • 2 tomatoes (or 1 cup chopped)
  • 1 cup cooked beans (baked beans or homegrown beans)
  • 2 garlic cloves
  • 1–2 tsp curry powder
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • 1 chili (optional)
  • Salt & pepper
  • Oil for sautéing

Method

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Swaps & variations

  • Beans: kidney beans, pinto, black-eyed peas
  • No heat: omit chili and use mild curry
  • Add-ins: cabbage, zucchini, green beans
  • Richer version: add a splash of tomato paste

Storing & freezing

Refrigerate 4–5 days. Freezes up to 3 months. Flavour deepens after 24 hours.

Grow it yourself

  • Sow directly; require loose, well-drained soil.,Keep rows moist until seedlings establish. Carrots
  • Start indoors early; require heat and sunlight.,Mulch to retain warmth and moisture. Bell Peppers
  • Water deeply and regularly; avoid wetting leaves.,Stake for airflow and better fruiting. Tomatoes
  • Direct sow after frost.,Bush or climbing types both work; inoculate seeds for better yield. Beans
  • Onions: grow from sets; weed regularly.,Garlic: plant in autumn, harvest in summer. Onions & Garlic
  • Neem oil for whiteflies and aphids.
  • Marigolds deter nematodes and beetles.
  • Chili-garlic spray repels caterpillars.
  • Basil improves tomato growth and reduces pests.
  • Harvest when brightly coloured and firm. Carrots
  • Pick when glossy, full size, and fragrant. Peppers
  • Ripen best on the vine; harvest when soft and red. Tomatoes
  • Pick pods regularly to encourage continued production. Beans
  • Lift when tops flop over naturally. Onions

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