Chakalaka (South African Soweto Chilli Stew)
Chakalaka, this spicy and flavorful South African stew, integrates perfectly into a burger menu, bringing unique flavors and added nutritional value. Its combination of fresh vegetables, legumes, and spices makes it an ideal accompaniment for those seeking balanced and bold dishes.
Ideas for pairing with your burgers:
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Game Burger: A burger highlighting the flavors of game, such as zebra or kangaroo, seasoned with mild spices and accompanied by Chakalaka, creates an exotic and original tasting experience. The tender and delicate game meat pairs perfectly with the intensity and heat of the Chakalaka, delivering a wild and spicy flavor explosion.
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Tempeh Burger: Lightly grilled or marinated, tempeh offers a firm texture and nutty taste that balances perfectly with the heat and spices of Chakalaka. This pairing creates a hearty, protein-packed burger full of character, perfect for those who prefer plant-based options while still enjoying bold flavors.
-
Grilled Vegetable Burger: A burger made with roasted vegetables, such as eggplant, zucchini, and bell peppers, pairs beautifully with the freshness and complexity of Chakalaka. The sweetness of the grilled vegetables harmonizes with the spices of the stew, creating a savory and balanced experience.
-
Falafel Burger: For a fully vegan option, a falafel burger, rich in protein and spices, pairs wonderfully with Chakalaka. This combination highlights the contrast of crunchy and soft textures while providing an explosion of spicy and fresh flavors. The Mediterranean spices in the falafel complement the bold flavors of the Chakalaka perfectly.
These combinations allow you to offer a wide range of burgers, from meaty options to vegetarian and vegan creations, giving your customers a rich and diverse experience. Chakalaka becomes a key ingredient to add warmth, exoticism, and variety to your dishes.
Chakalaka (South African Soweto Chilli Stew)
Ingredients (for about 4 to 6 servings)
- 50 ml canola or vegetable oil
- 30 g fresh ginger, chopped
- 30 g fresh garlic, chopped
- 20 g or more fresh red chilies, finely chopped (adjust according to your tolerance)
- 200 g white onions, finely chopped
- 500 g tomatoes, roughly chopped
- 100 g green bell peppers, roughly chopped
- 100 g red bell peppers, roughly chopped
- 4 to 5 curry leaves (Kaloupilé)
- 50 g curry powder
- 200 g grated carrots
- 150 g cabbage, finely chopped
- 200 g beans or broad beans (canned or cooked)
- 200 g chickpeas (canned or cooked)
- 50 g hot exotic fruit chutney
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 10 g fresh coriander
Aromatics
- 1 teaspoon turmeric
- 4 to 5 curry leaves (also called caloupilé leaves) or 1 teaspoon curry powder
- Salt to taste
Instructions
- Heat the oil in a large pan or pot over medium heat.
- Sauté the ginger, garlic, chilies, and onions in the hot oil for about 5 to 7 minutes, until they become soft and aromatic.
- Add the curry powder, turmeric, and curry leaves. Stir to coat the vegetables with the spices.
- Add the tomatoes, chopped cabbage, and cook for about 10 minutes until the tomatoes break down and form a thick sauce.
- Add the bell peppers, grated carrots, and cook for another 10 minutes until the vegetables are tender.
- Add the beans, chickpeas, and cook for another 5 minutes to ensure everything is well combined and heated through.
- Stir in the hot exotic fruit chutney and brown sugar, adjusting the salt and aroma (if using) to taste.
- Remove from heat and stir in the fresh coriander.
- Check the seasoning and adjust according to your preference (add more salt, sugar, or chili if necessary).
- Serve hot or cold, with rice, pap, or grilled meat.
Tips
- This Chakalaka is even better the next day when the flavors have had time to meld together.
- You can adjust the spiciness of the dish according to your heat tolerance by varying the amount of chili and curry powder.
- This dish is perfect when served with grilled meats, rice, or pap (South African maize meal).
This is a rich and spicy version of the traditional Chakalaka, with vegetables, beans, chickpeas, and a sweet touch from the chutney and brown sugar.
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Chakalaka, this spicy and flavorful South African stew, integrates perfectly into a burger menu, bringing unique flavors and added nutritional value. Its combination of fresh vegetables, legumes, and spices makes it an ideal accompaniment for those seeking balanced and bold dishes.
Ideas for pairing with your burgers:
-
Game Burger: A burger highlighting the flavors of game, such as zebra or kangaroo, seasoned with mild spices and accompanied by Chakalaka, creates an exotic and original tasting experience. The tender and delicate game meat pairs perfectly with the intensity and heat of the Chakalaka, delivering a wild and spicy flavor explosion.
-
Tempeh Burger: Lightly grilled or marinated, tempeh offers a firm texture and nutty taste that balances perfectly with the heat and spices of Chakalaka. This pairing creates a hearty, protein-packed burger full of character, perfect for those who prefer plant-based options while still enjoying bold flavors.
-
Grilled Vegetable Burger: A burger made with roasted vegetables, such as eggplant, zucchini, and bell peppers, pairs beautifully with the freshness and complexity of Chakalaka. The sweetness of the grilled vegetables harmonizes with the spices of the stew, creating a savory and balanced experience.
-
Falafel Burger: For a fully vegan option, a falafel burger, rich in protein and spices, pairs wonderfully with Chakalaka. This combination highlights the contrast of crunchy and soft textures while providing an explosion of spicy and fresh flavors. The Mediterranean spices in the falafel complement the bold flavors of the Chakalaka perfectly.
These combinations allow you to offer a wide range of burgers, from meaty options to vegetarian and vegan creations, giving your customers a rich and diverse experience. Chakalaka becomes a key ingredient to add warmth, exoticism, and variety to your dishes.