Chakalaka

Chakalaka is a dish that originates from South Africa and it is staple throughout the country. Mostly during celebrations, gathering and a must have during braais (South African barbecues). Legend has it that- it was was developed  by men working in the goldmines- they put together vegetables on hand together with canned beans to form a great relish to pair with their starchy side.

The Chakalaka is in basic variant a vegetable relish, usually spicy, that is traditionally served with bread, pap, samp, stews, or curries.

Chakalaka may have originated in the townships of Johannesburg or on the gold mines surrounding Johannesburg, when Mozambican mineworkers coming off shift cooked tinned produce (tomatoes, beans) with chili to produce a spicy relish with a Portuguese flair to accompany pap. The many variations on how to make chakalaka often depend on region and family tradition. Some versions include beans, cabbage and butternut.For example, a tin of baked beans, tin of tomatoes, onion, garlic, and some curry paste can be used to make the dish.