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Flavorful South African Braai Chakalaka Spiced Bean Salad

South African Braai Chakalaka Spiced Bean Salad - featured image
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A vibrant, spicy bean salad perfect for BBQs, combining smoky, tangy, and earthy flavors inspired by South African braai culture. Quick and easy to prepare, it pairs beautifully with grilled meats and veggies.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 can (14 oz) baked beans in tomato sauce
  • 1 can (14 oz) butter beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 red bell pepper, finely diced
  • 1 green bell pepper, finely diced
  • 1 medium carrot, grated or finely chopped
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped (preferably red)
  • 1 fresh chili, deseeded and finely chopped (optional)
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 small can (3.5 oz) tomato paste
  • 1 tbsp curry powder
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1 tsp ground cumin
  • 1 tsp chili flakes
  • 1 tbsp vegetable oil or sunflower oil
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 1 tbsp white vinegar or apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tsp sugar or honey
  • Handful fresh coriander (cilantro), chopped
  • Optional: chopped spring onions for garnish

Instructions

  1. Dice the red and green bell peppers, finely chop the onion and chili (if using), grate the carrot, and mince the garlic.
  2. Heat 1 tbsp vegetable oil in a pan over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic, cooking for 3-4 minutes until soft and fragrant. Stir in the chili and cook for another minute.
  3. Sprinkle in the curry powder, smoked paprika, ground cumin, and chili flakes. Stir constantly for about 30 seconds to toast the spices gently.
  4. Stir in the tomato paste and cook for 1-2 minutes, letting it caramelize slightly and deepen in taste.
  5. Transfer the sautéed mixture to a large bowl. Add the baked beans (with tomato sauce), butter beans, diced bell peppers, and grated carrot. Gently fold everything together without mashing the beans.
  6. Add vinegar, sugar or honey, salt, and pepper to taste. Stir well and let the salad rest for at least 15 minutes to allow flavors to meld. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
  7. Just before serving, mix in the chopped fresh coriander and sprinkle spring onions on top if desired.

Notes

For best flavor, lightly sauté the onions and spices before mixing. The salad tastes better after chilling for an hour or more. Adjust chili flakes and fresh chili for desired heat level. Avoid overmixing to keep beans intact. Can be made ahead and stored up to 3 days in the fridge.

Nutrition

Keywords: chakalaka, South African, braai, bean salad, spicy salad, BBQ side dish, vegan, gluten-free

Find it online: https://avabowls.com/flavorful-south-african-braai-chakalaka-spiced-bean-salad-recipe-easy-and-perfect-for-bbqs/