Chakalaka Bread Recipe | History, Tips, & More

Chakalaka Bread Recipe

Gianpiero Rusconi

Prep Time:

10 mins

Cook Time:

40 mins

Total Time:

50 mins

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Cuisine:

South African

Course:

Side Dish

Servings:

4 people

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EQUIPMENT:

• Oven
• Tart tin
• Butter
• Mixing bowl
• Spatula or the back of a spoon
• Pan
• Vegetable oil
• Food processor
• Grater
• Skewer
• Chopping board
• Knife
• Measuring spoons

INGREDIENTS:

• 500g self-raising flour
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tsp sugar
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1 tsp cumin
• 1 tsp chili powder
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 1 red bell pepper, finely chopped
• 1 green bell pepper, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tbsp vegetable oil
• 200g chakalaka (store-bought or homemade)
• 200ml buttermilk
• 100g grated cheddar cheese
• Fresh parsley, for garnish (optional)

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Firstly, make sure to preheat your oven to 180°C. Reach for your tart tin and grease it well with butter to prevent the bread from sticking.
2. Next, toss the self-raising flour, salt, sugar, paprika, cumin and chilli powder into a mixing bowl. Give it a good mix until all the dry ingredients are properly combined.
3. Time to heat up some of that veggie oil in a pan over medium flame. Add the chopped onions to it. Keep stirring them around until they get a nice caramel colour. Then toss in your chopped peppers, cooking until they're nice and soft. Finally, it’s time for the minced garlic - let it cook for just a minute or two, until its lovely aroma fills your kitchen.
4. In the mean time, you can grab your food processor and blitz the chakalaka until it’s nice and smooth. Combine this now in the bowl with your spiced flour mixture.
5. Then, pour in the buttermilk, throwing in the cooked onions, bell peppers and garlic next. The magic now happens as you fold all the gorgeous ingredients together to form a dough.
6. Take the dough and spread it out evenly in your greased tart tin. Use a spatula or the back of a spoon to make sure it’s nice and smooth on top.
7. Now, just before you pop the tin into the oven, sprinkle the grated cheddar cheese all over the dough.
8. Then it’s time for the dough to hit the heat and become bread! Bake for about 40 minutes, or until the top is nice and golden, and a skewer comes out clean when poked into the bread.
9. Once it comes out of the oven, let it cool in the tin for a while - don’t rush this part.
10. And that’s it! Your Chakalaka bread is ready. Sprinkle a bit of chopped parsley on top if you fancy, just to give it an extra fresh taste and also to make it look nice and pretty. Slice it up, and serve while it's still warm to get the best flavours. Enjoy!
11. Remember, proteas, you can always tweak this recipe to suit your taste. Like a bit of spice? Add more chilli powder. Not so keen on cumin? Leave it out, or use less. The important part is to have fun while you’re cooking and then enjoy eating the fruit of your work!

Chakalaka Bread History

Chakalaka Bread originates from beautiful South Africa and is a central part of its culinary tradition. The name ‘Chakalaka’ comes from Bantu languages spoken in Africa, and its root words suggest a boiling mix of hot ingredients. Naturally, the exact origins of the dish are unknown, with many speculating it was first conjured up during the gold rush in Johannesburg. However, what’s certain is that this spicy, savoury loaf pays homage to the diverse flavours of South African cuisine, cross-pollinated from the Indian, Malaysian, and African influences prevalent in the region. This hearty bread is infused with the zesty, fiery taste of traditional Chakalaka relish, which combines a mix of vegetables like carrots, onion, garlic, bell peppers, and the iconic heat of chilli peppers.

Tips & Tricks

Preparing Chakalaka bread is an experience of warmth, both in the kitchen and at the heart. My first tip is to put love into every knead. Secondly, watch your yeast – it’s the soul of your bread! It needs warmth (not too hot, not too cold) to come alive. Tip three: Don’t rush it. Patience is key when waiting for dough to rise. Lastly, remember the magic is in the relish – don’t be shy to make it fiery! The Chakalaka sauce is what makes the bread so distinctively South African. And remember, a good cup of rooibos tea goes down a treat while you’re waiting for your loaf to bake!

Best Occassions to Serve Chakalaka Bread

Chakalaka bread is a versatile delight, fitting various occasions from cosy family meals to festive gatherings. An iconic Bread on Braai (BBQ) Day, it steals the spotlight when served slightly warm, toasted, with a dollop of fresh cream. Serve it at your Sunday family gatherings, letting the magical smell of baked goodness permeate your home, or make it the centre of attention during a Christmas feast, served alongside roasted meat and a chilled glass of South African wine.

Recipes & Sides That Go Well With Chakalaka Bread

• Biltong Soup: A South African classic meat dish that combines exquisitely with the spiciness of the bread.
• Bobotie: A fruity and spicy minced meat dish that offers a taste explosion when paired with Chakalaka Bread.
• Roasted Butternut Squash: The sweet notes of this side dish perfectly offset the spice of the bread.
• Mince curry: This South African dish is perfect to mob up with a slice of your fresh Chakalaka bread and pairs perfectly with the spiciness.
• Chilled South African Wine: A balanced, fruity wine pairs brilliantly, cutting through the heat of the Chakalaka.

Ingredient Alternatives for Chakalaka Bread

• Instead of wheat flour, consider using a gluten-free flour mix for those with dietary needs.
• Vegan butter or olive oil can replace regular butter.
• Swap fresh chilli peppers for dried ones if you prefer.

Troubleshooting (Common Problems)

• Dough isn’t rising: This could be due to old yeast. Always check the expiry date before using.
• Bread is too spicy: Balance the spice by adding a dollop of plain yoghurt to your chakalaka relish.

Chakalaka Bread Alternatives and Similar Recipes

• Garlic Bread: A universally loved alternative, offering delicious garlicky goodness.
• Mielie bread (corn bread): This South African corn-based bread is a delicious alternative with a unique flavour.
• Dombolo: This African recipe is a unique bread that many people haven’t tried – give it a go!
• Potbrood (pot bread): South African traditional bread that is made in a pot and a classic for braais.
• Braai Broodjies: A traditional South African BBQ toasted sandwich, offering a smoky contrast.
• Focaccia: Italian classic, with the focus on olive oil and fragrant herbs.