Chakalaka

Chakalaka is a South African vegetable relish, usually spicy, that is traditionally served with bread, pap, samp, stews, or curries. To balance its fiery flavour, it is sometimes served with amasi (thick sour milk). 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. Many versions include beans. For example, a tin of baked beans, tin of tomatoes, onion, garlic, and some curry paste can be used to make the dish.