Chakalaka with papa is a falvorful, vegan, and spicy relish with maize or cornmeal porridge that has deeper roots in the South African cuisine. This is a simple and comforting meal.
What is chakalaka and papa?
Lesotho is a landlocked country in Africa. It is bordered by South Africa on all sides. In Lesotho, Chakalaka with papa is an everyday meal. A very traditional dish!
Though chakala is a spicy dish, the Lesothan version is a bit milder than the South African version. Chakalaka is a stew/relish made with carrots, bell peppers, onions, and tomatoes with a hint of scotch-bonnet peppers.
Chakalaka is served with papa, which is cooked cornmeal. Throughout AfricaI papa is known by different names like ugali, fufu, pap, pap-pap. Serve papa is with sugar and milk for breakfast or with chakalaka or any other stew for lunch/dinner.
This simple, flavorful, and affordable meal provides a rich contrast in texture and flavor. The mild and smooth papa with spicy and chunky chakala is an easy meal option for you as you can whip it up with some basic pantry essentials. Budget friendly!
Ingredients
To make the Lesothan version of chakalaka with papa, you will require the following ingredients:
Cornmeal - this is the base of the smooth papa or 'bread'.
Veggies - Onion and carrots give the flavor and chunky texture.
Tomatoes - Adds to the color, flavor, and acid component for the chakalaka. You can use canned crushed tomatoes, or blitz 2-3 fresh tomatoes.
Scotch bonnet peppers - gives the spiciness. Though the authentic recipe uses scotch bonnet peppers, this recipe uses habanero instead. You may want to adjust the quantity depending on your taste preference.
There are many variations of chakalaka from region to region. Some recipes include beans.
Serving Suggestion
Serve this simple everyday meal from Lesotho for any meal. For a special themed meal serve with rooibos latte and the fried doughnuts.
Seasonal Relish That are easy to make
If you are looking more easy relish recipes, then you must try Piperade, Lutenitsa, Eggplant Caponata, Lunumiris.
More Reciopes From Africa
You must try these simple yet comforting recipes just like this chakala.
Guayanese Cream of Wheat Parsad
Spicy Moroccan Vegetable Tagine
Lesothan Chakalaka with Papa
Ingredients
For the Papa
- ½ cup Cornmeal
- 1½-2 cups Water
For the Chakalaka
- 1 cup Onion diced
- 1 cup Carrots diced
- 1 cup Red bellpepper diced
- ¼-½ tsp Habanero minced
- 1 tsp Salt
- a dash Pepper to taste
- 2 cups Crushed tomatoes
Instructions
For the papa
- Boil water and add the corn meal with stirring to prevent lumps. Cook for 20 -25 minutes with stirring now and then to prevent burning. Cook till it gathers to a mass. Set aside.
For the Chakalaka
- Heat oil in a pan, add the onions and habanero and cook till translucent. Add the chopped bell peppers and carrots, cook for 4-5 minutes. Add the tomatoes and salt and simmer for 8-10 minutes.
- Serve chakalaka with papa.
African Recipes for Africa Day
- Chermoula from That Recipe
- Ethiopian Beef Tibs from A Kitchen Hoor's Adventures
- Lesothan Chakalaka with Papa from Magical Ingredients
- Rooibos Iced Tea from Art of Natural Living
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Margaret@KitchenFrau says
I love all the different versions of Chakalaka there are - unique to every different African cook! Yours looks particularly inviting, lovely and light and satisfying.
A Day in the Life on the Farm says
That International Cuisine got a ton of hits from us this month LOL. That was a great menu they put up.
Rebekah says
This looks very cozy and filling!
Christie says
This looks so hearty and full of flavor. A great bowl of comfort after a long day.
magicalingrdnts says
It is! Thanks, Christie!
Inger says
This looks so flavorful and healthy!
magicalingrdnts says
healthy and simple! Thanks, Inger!