Chakalaka - A hearty South African Dish

Fresh, hearty and delicious on its own or serve over rice, on toast or pasta



Ingredients

  • 1 large red onion, chopped

  • 4 large garlic cloves

  • 1 inch fresh ginger, grated

  • 1 tsp garam masala

  • 1 tsp chili powder (or 2-3 green bird’s-eye chilies)

  • 1 tsp salt, plus more as needed

  • 3 1/2 cups chopped tomatoes

  • 2 1/2 cups chopped red or orange bell peppers

  • Juice of 1 lime

  • 3 cups grated carrots

  • 1 can pinto beans (or any beans you have on hand)

  • Olive oil



Instructions

  • Heat a dash of olive oil in a pan and set on medium.

  • Cook the onion until softened, about 3-4 minutes

  • Add garlic, ginger, chili powder (or chilies if using), salt and pepper. Cook for 1-2 minutes

  • Turn the heat up to high and add tomatoes, peppers and lime juice. Stir and allow to come to a simmer.

  • Add carrots and cook, stirring constantly until the liquid thickens, 12-15 minutes.

  • Add the beans and cook for about 2 minutes.



notes

  • Yield: 7 cups

  • Stored for 10 days in the fridge, and freezes well

Adapted from and thanks to Yewande Komolafe of the New York Times.