What does Breakfast Looks Like in Botswana (Chakalaka & pap)

baked beans

🥗Healthier: chickpeas

💰Cheaper: canned beans

Chickpeas offer similar texture with lower sugar content.

pap flour

🥗Healthier: cornmeal

💰Cheaper: maize flour

Cornmeal is often more accessible and still provides a similar texture.

curry powder

🥗Healthier: homemade spice blend

💰Cheaper: individual spices

Homemade blends can be tailored to taste and cost.

vegetable oil

🥗Healthier: olive oil

💰Cheaper: sunflower oil

Olive oil offers health benefits while sunflower oil is budget-friendly.

Heat vegetable oil in a large pot over medium heat until shimmering.

Add chopped onions and sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes.

Stir in diced bell peppers and grated carrots; cook for 3-4 minutes.

Add minced garlic and ginger; sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute.

Mix in chopped tomatoes and curry powder; simmer for 10 minutes.

Stir in baked beans and cook for an additional 5 minutes.

Add salt, black pepper, and chopped chili peppers to taste; mix well.

For the pap, bring water to a boil in a separate pot.

Gradually add pap flour while stirring continuously to avoid lumps.

Cook until thickened, about 10-15 minutes, stirring frequently.

Serve chakalaka hot alongside a scoop of pap.

Garnish with fresh coriander if desired.

Cooking Techniques

Spice Level: