> ## Content Index > Fetch the complete content index at: https://www.thesignaturejess.com/llms.txt > Use this file to discover other available public pages before exploring further. # Chakalaka, a versatile vegan or vegetarian South African recipe - URL: https://www.thesignaturejess.com/chakalaka-versatile-vegan-vegetarian-south-african-dish/ - Published: 2024-10-06T17:50:00.000Z - Updated: 2026-08-11T14:47:12.000Z - Description: Try this versatile vegan/vegetarian gluten free dish that is amazing on its own or goes amazingly with anything! - Author: Jess - Tags: Recipes, South Africa *Hey there, I’m Jess* ✨*. On* [***The Signature***](https://www.thesignaturejess.com/about-me/)*, I share reflections on beauty, routines, travel, wellness, culture, and everyday life. For those drawn to a calmer, more intentional way of living, I send a free newsletter each month on the 7th.* [***You're welcome to join***](https://www.thesignaturejess.com/#/portal/)*.* --- If you had the opportunity to go to South Africa, and unless you have only ordered French *croissants* at your hotel, you may have come across a mixture of beans to accompany any meal: it is called **Chakalaka**. My father lived in Johannesburg for a few years and at his house, every day, we found a pot of freshly made chakalaka, which invariably ended up being eaten in its entirety. I thought it was a difficult dish to make and with very specific spices, until I came across a video on YouTube that shows how simple it was to make, anywhere in the world. [Where to eat in Cape Town?From casual seafood spots to fine dining, markets, cafés and wine estate restaurants, these are the places I genuinely recommend after decades of visiting (around) Cape Town![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/58/67/5867d415-55cd-4f42-962a-67b9b6110b2c/content/images/icon/VHColletion_02_vhcollection_03-0171d24d-90a5-497c-8191-80b72a8326b8.png)The SignatureJess![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/58/67/5867d415-55cd-4f42-962a-67b9b6110b2c/content/images/thumbnail/IMG_9739-1-b0c3ec34-1299-4688-a967-e03119a6c41b.jpg)](https://www.thesignaturejess.com/where-to-eat-in-cape-town/) We both have done it a dozen times and it's one of my husband's favourite recipes. #### Ingredients for 4 generous servings - 1 tin baked beans in tomato sauce - 1 large onion, finely chopped - 1 green pepper, finely chopped - 2 large or 3 small carrots − grated - 2 cloves garlic, crushed - 1 to 2 tablespoons of curry powder - 1 tin of chopped, peeled tomatoes - 2 tablespoons of olive oil - salt and black pepper, to taste - vegetable or chicken stock (if using, don't add salt) - chili or cayenne pepper flakes (optional) - chopped parsley or cilantro (optional) [Unlock more recipes](#/portal/signup/free) I could reinvent the recipe but let's not sweat it: South African Chef [**Siba Mtongana does it best**](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XGUC308RGHk&ref=thesignaturejess.com)! ### Why do we love it? - It's super nutritious with lots of veggies and little fat - It's vegan (or vegetarian if you use chicken stock) - It's a different way to eat vegetables WITHOUT BEING SOUP - It's versatile as can eat it with everything. On toast, with rice, with corn porridge, with an egg on top or alongside a barbecue chicken This weekend I did it the *shakshuka* way, with two eggs and 15 minutes in the oven (it should have only been 10 minutes for runnier eggs but forgot it, oops!) and it made for an amazing breakfast. It also provides several servings and it is amazing for meal prep. [Share this recipe](#/share) *Check my other* [***recipes***](https://www.thesignaturejess.com/tag/recipes/)*:* ### An easy fish recipe than you can make in 15 minutes... [Easy 15-minute Fish Curry RecipeInspired by Emily English, this high-protein fish curry recipe is packed with flavour and perfect for weeknight cooking![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/58/67/5867d415-55cd-4f42-962a-67b9b6110b2c/content/images/icon/VHColletion_02_vhcollection_03-acec4ebc-4a13-4c73-b496-3fd343309505.png)The SignatureJess![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/58/67/5867d415-55cd-4f42-962a-67b9b6110b2c/content/images/thumbnail/easy-fish-coconut-curry-recipe-9d5ca3b7-34bd-4f0f-81da-a6957adad3fb.png)](https://www.thesignaturejess.com/15-minute-fish-curry-recipe/) ### A chicken salad I ate almost every week during my weight loss journey... [A Chicken Salad recipe for lazy girlsGive this fragrant recipe a chance, especially if you are looking for a protein full, gluten free and carb light recipe to fill you up until your next main meal. You can eat it just like it is or in a wrap. Either way, it is delicious!![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/58/67/5867d415-55cd-4f42-962a-67b9b6110b2c/content/images/icon/VHColletion_02_vhcollection_03-560.png)The SignatureJess![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/58/67/5867d415-55cd-4f42-962a-67b9b6110b2c/content/images/thumbnail/Chicken-salad-full-of-protein-for-lazy-girls-1.png)](https://www.thesignaturejess.com/recipe-chicken-salad-lazy-girls/) ### An oven baked shredded duck rice [Recipe: traditional Portuguese Duck Rice / Arroz de PatoFinding yourself with a duck carcass or pulled duck meat in your fridge? This is the recipe for a slow Sunday meal that will last over the week![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/58/67/5867d415-55cd-4f42-962a-67b9b6110b2c/content/images/icon/VHColletion_02_vhcollection_03-561.png)The SignatureJess![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/58/67/5867d415-55cd-4f42-962a-67b9b6110b2c/content/images/thumbnail/16.png)](https://www.thesignaturejess.com/portuguese-oven-baked-duck-rice-arroz-de-pato/) ### A ratatouille, that is great on its own or as a side dish [Ratatouille, a Parisian’s recipeCheck my homemade ratatouille recipe: simple, nutritious, and packed with fresh vegetables! Inspired by French cuisine - my favourite! - this dish is perfect for batch cooking and easy weekday meals. Follow this step-by-step guide to make a fragrant, delicious ratatouille at home.![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/58/67/5867d415-55cd-4f42-962a-67b9b6110b2c/content/images/icon/VHColletion_02_vhcollection_03-562.png)The SignatureJess![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/58/67/5867d415-55cd-4f42-962a-67b9b6110b2c/content/images/thumbnail/IMG_2573-1-5.jpg)](https://www.thesignaturejess.com/food-ratatouille-recipe-from-a-parisian-insider/) --- **Like this content and want more?* You can* [***subscribe to get a monthly edit***](https://www.thesignaturejess.com/#/portal/) *and we can connect also on* [**BlueSky**](https://www.thesignaturejess.com/r/eebbfd7d?m=5c4efd93-0ef0-4db1-af3b-7675f61db0cb) *|* [**TikTok**](https://www.thesignaturejess.com/r/3a8dd75f?m=5c4efd93-0ef0-4db1-af3b-7675f61db0cb) *|* [**Youtube**](https://www.thesignaturejess.com/r/5cd54466?m=5c4efd93-0ef0-4db1-af3b-7675f61db0cb) *|* [**Pinterest**](https://www.thesignaturejess.com/r/f6c35afb?m=5c4efd93-0ef0-4db1-af3b-7675f61db0cb)