
Chakalaka is a South African vegetable
relish
A relish (a pickle-based condiment) is a cooking, cooked and pickling, pickled culinary dish made of chopped vegetables, fruits or herbs, typically used as a condiment to enhance a staple. Examples are chutneys and the North American relish, a p ...
, usually spicy, that is traditionally served with bread,
pap,
samp, stews, or curries. Chakalaka is said to have originated in the townships of
Johannesburg
Johannesburg ( , , ; Zulu language, Zulu and Xhosa language, Xhosa: eGoli ) (colloquially known as Jozi, Joburg, Jo'burg or "The City of Gold") is the most populous city in South Africa. With 5,538,596 people in the City of Johannesburg alon ...
or in the gold mines surrounding Johannesburg, when Mozambican mineworkers leaving their shift cooked tinned produce (tomatoes, beans) with chili to produce a spicy Portuguese-style relish to accompany pap. Many variations of Chakalaka exist, depending on region and family tradition. Some versions include beans, cabbage and
butternut squash. For example, canned baked beans, canned tomatoes, onion, garlic, and
curry paste can be used to make the dish.
It is frequently served at a
braai (barbecue) or with a Sunday lunch. It can be served cold or at room temperature.
See also
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Indian pickle
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List of African dishes
Africa is the second-largest continent on Earth, and is home to hundreds of different cultural and ethnic groups. This diversity is reflected in the many local culinary traditions in choice of ingredients, style of preparation, and cooking techn ...
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South African cuisine
South African cuisine reflects the diverse range of culinary traditions embodied by the various communities that inhabit the country. Among the indigenous peoples of South Africa, the Khoisan foraged over 300 species of edible food plants, suc ...
References
South African cuisine
Condiments
Namibian cuisine
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