Chakalaka – Ultimate flavourful comfort food to suit your pocket

Few dishes capture the essence of South African comfort food as beautifully as Chakalaka and Pap. Simple, hearty, and full of flavour, this beloved combination has been enjoyed for generations — from family dinners and Sunday gatherings to braais and community celebrations. It’s a dish that brings people together, reminding us of home, heritage, and the joy found in humble ingredients prepared with care.

Pap, a smooth maize porridge, is a staple across Southern Africa. Its gentle flavour and soft texture make it the perfect base for bold, vibrant dishes. Enter Chakalaka — a colourful Portuguese style relish made from peppers, carrots, onions, beans, and a lively blend of spices. The contrast is what makes the meal so memorable: the mildness of pap paired with the heat, acidity, and sweetness of chakalaka creates a harmony that’s comforting and exciting at the same time.

No two households make chakalaka exactly alike. Some versions are fiery and bold, while others are mild with a touch of sweetness. Some include baked beans for heartiness, while others rely on fresh vegetables alone. This flexibility allows every cook to put their own signature on the dish — and that’s part of its charm.

At The Healthy Springbok, we embrace the traditional flavours of chakalaka while keeping it fresh and nourishing: plenty of vegetables, balanced spices, and minimal oil. When paired with light, fluffy pap, the result is a wholesome meal that’s both satisfying and budget-friendly.

Whether served alongside braaied meat, enjoyed on its own (vegetarian), or included as part of a larger feast, Chakalaka and Pap remains a South African classic. It’s vibrant, comforting, and deeply rooted in culture — a reminder that some of the best dishes are the simplest ones, made to be shared with those we love.

Pap and Chakalaka

A staple maize meal with a spicy vegetable relish.

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Prep Time 30 minutes mins

Cook Time 10 minutes mins

Servings: 1

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: South African

Calories: 310

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Pap

• 2 cups maize meal
• 4 cups water
• ½ tsp salt

Chakalaka

• 1 tbsp oil
• 1 onion chopped
• 1 green pepper diced
• 2 carrots grated
• 1 tomato chopped
• 1 tsp curry powder
• ½ tsp chili flakes optional
• ½ tin baked beans
• Salt to taste

Equipment

• Braai/Grill Wood/charcoal
• Stove top
• 2 Pot Medium pot for Chakalaka, 1 large pot for pap. Plus frying pan if you will be cooking the boerewors on the stove
• 1 Wooden Spoon To stir pap
• 1 Chopping board
• 1 Chopping knife

Method

 

Pap

1. Bring salted water to boil.
2. Slowly add maize meal while stirring.
3. Reduce heat; cover and simmer 30 min, stirring occasionally until stiff.

Chakalaka

1. Fry onion and pepper until soft.
2. Add curry powder; cook 1 min.
3. Add carrots, tomato; simmer 5 min.
4. Stir in baked beans; cook 2 min.
5. Season to taste.

Notes

Serve chakalaka spooned over pap, with boerewors or grilled meat.

Nutrition (per serving):
 Calories: 30 | Protein: 6g | Fat: 8g | Carbs: 54g | Fibre: 6g