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Chakalaka Recipe (Classic South African Dish)


Ingredients

  • 3 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 1 red onion, chopped
  • 2 garlic cloves, crushed
  • 1 tbsp curry powder
  • ½ tsp chilli flakes
  • ¼ large cabbage, shredded
  • 1 yellow pepper, chopped
  • 1 green pepper, chopped
  • 1 large carrot, grated
  • 3 stalks celery, chopped (optional but amazing)
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • ½ tsp black pepper
  • ½ tsp thyme
  • ½ tsp rosemary
  • 1 bottle passata (±700 ml)
  • 1 can baked beans (optional but traditional-ish)


Instructions

  1. Heat the oil in a large pot
  2. Fry the onions and garlic until soft and fragrant.
  3. Add the curry powder and chilli flakes and cook for 1–2 minutes to bloom the spices. (Add a splash of water if it gets dry.)
  4. Add the cabbage, carrot, peppers (and celery if using). Cook for 5–8 minutes until slightly softened.
  5. Stir in the salt, smoked paprika, pepper, thyme, and rosemary.
  6. Pour in the passata. Swirl about ¼ cup water in the jar and add that too.
  7. Simmer gently for 20–25 minutes until thick and rich.
  8. Taste and adjust — a tiny pinch of sugar if it’s too acidic works beautifully.