How to Make Chakalaka: The Spicy Zulu Relish That Goes with Everything
By: Chimdindu Ken-Anaukwu
Every culture has that one dish that refuses to be ignored.
For the Zulus, it’s chakalaka; a vibrant, spicy relish that can turn a simple pap meal into a feast.
It began as a worker’s meal: quick, hot, and hearty, cooked by mine laborers who combined what they had: beans, chili, onions, and canned tomatoes. Over time, it evolved from a humble side to a national treasure found at weddings, funerals, and backyard braais (barbecues).
But chakalaka isn’t just food; it’s attitude. It’s loud, generous, and unapologetically flavorful. Just like the people who make it.
🥕 Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of chakalaka is that it welcomes improvisation. But here’s the traditional base:
2 tablespoons of cooking oil
1 onion, finely chopped
2 carrots, grated
1 green pepper, chopped
1 can of baked beans (or cooked beans of choice)
2 tomatoes, chopped (or 1 can of chopped tomatoes)
2 cloves garlic, minced
1–2 chilies, sliced (adjust for heat)
1 teaspoon curry powder
Salt and pepper to taste
Optional add-ons: shredded cabbage, green beans, or corn for extra crunch and color.
🍳 Step-by-Step: Cooking Chakalaka the Zulu Way
Sauté the base: Heat oil, add onion, and cook until golden. Throw in garlic and chilies for that head-turning aroma.
Build the flavor: Add your curry powder and stir for a few seconds — let it bloom.
Add the veggies: Carrots, peppers, and tomatoes join next. Let them soften and release their sweetness.
Bring the beans: Pour in baked beans with sauce and stir gently. Simmer for 5–10 minutes until everything comes together in a spicy, thick stew.
Taste and balance: Add salt, pepper, and maybe a pinch of sugar if the tomatoes are too tart.
Serve warm or cold, chakalaka doesn’t mind. It’s perfect beside pap, braai meat, bread, or even rice.
🪶 Cultural Flavor: Why Chakalaka Matters
In Zulu gatherings, food is rarely just about eating; it’s about belonging.
Chakalaka plays that social glue role. It’s the dish that shows up when family gathers, when laughter fills the air, when music plays in the yard.
Its heat symbolizes energy. Its color, joy. Its mix of vegetables, community.
Every spoonful is a reminder that flavor thrives in diversity, a philosophy deeply rooted in Zulu culture itself.
⚱️ The Clay Pot Touch
Traditionally, many Zulu households still cook stews and relishes like chakalaka in ukhamba, a clay pot that slowly infuses flavor. The porous texture lets steam escape gently, making every bite taste deep and soulful.
If you ever get the chance, try cooking it that way over firewood, with the smoke teasing the air. That’s when chakalaka truly becomes heritage, not just food.
🧠 What You’ve Learned
Chakalaka was born from resourcefulness, not luxury.
Its spice and color celebrate Zulu resilience and joy.
Cooking it the traditional way connects you to ancestral creativity.
So next time you make chakalaka, don’t just cook; honor.
You’re not following a recipe; you’re keeping a story alive.
📱 Learn Zulu with NKENNE
Want to learn how to say “Ukudla kumnandi kakhulu!” (This food is very delicious!) in perfect Zulu pronunciation?
Join NKENNE and explore the language, recipes, and stories that make Africa taste like home.
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