Lesotho: Chakalaka

Chakalaka is definitely one of my favorite dishes to cook.  A traditional South African stew, it's sweet and spicy, healthy because it's full of vegetables, and absolutely delicious!

Here's what you'll need:

1 small onion
3 cloves garlic
Olive oil
1 teaspoon curry powder (optional)
Approximately 5 carrots
1 green bell pepper
.5 yellow or orange bell pepper
2 jalapeno peppers (less if you don't like your food spicy)
4 medium tomatoes
1 16 oz. can baked beans (any kind will do, but my favorite is baked in maple syrup)

Step 1: Chop onion and garlic and sauté in olive oil with curry powder.
Step 2: Shred the carrots. I've found the best way to do this is peel the skin off the carrots first, and then just keep on peeling.
Step 3: Chop all your peppers and add to the pot with the shredded carrots. Continue to sauté until the peppers start giving off water. Add more olive oil as needed.
Step 4: Chop tomatoes, and add to the pot with the baked beans.
Step 5: Continue to cook uncovered for about 25 minutes over medium heat. Stir occasionally. Salt to taste.

Enjoy!