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Raw Papaya Sabzi


This dish holds a very special place for me and it comes with a special story attached. 
I was out with my mom a few days ago, shopping for groceries, when I saw some raw papaya and asked her if we can make curry with it. The way she looked at me in that moment told me that there was some story attached to this question. Later, when we were preparing for lunch at home, I asked her about it and she shared a piece of her childhood memory with me. 
Growing up, her family was very poor and could not afford the luxuries that are accessible to us today. Most of what they used to eat was grown around them or they bartered with the neighbors. Papaya curry was one of the dishes that they often prepared which she shared with her 9 siblings. Her story made me realize how blessed we all are today to be able get what we want in our lives and for that I am grateful.
So I prepared this recipe for her and to dedicate it to the hardships she went through to get to where she is today and also to some of the beautiful memories of her childhood. Hope you guys enjoy this dish!
SERVES: 2
 PREP TIME: 20 mins
 COOK TIME: 20 mins
  • 500g raw papaya (skin removed and diced)
  • 1 medium onion (finely chopped)
  • 1 tomato (finely chopped)
  • 2 green chilies (slit in half)
  • 3 garlic cloves (pounded)
  • 1 small ginger (pounded)
  • 1 tsp turmeric powder
  • 1 tsp red chili powder
  • 1 tbsp garam masala
  • 1 tsp mustard seeds
  • 1 tsp cumin seeds
  • curry leaves
  • coriander leaves
  • salt
  • oil

 1. Make sabzi: Add some oil in a kadai and heated, add some mustard seeds, cumin seeds and curry leaves and stir them for few seconds. Now, add the crushed ginger & garlic, onions and green chilies and cook them till the onions are caramelized. Add the tomatoes, turmeric powder, red chili powder with little water and cook this till you see the oil being separated from the masala. Once you see this happening add the cut papaya and mix it well with the masala. Now add salt and some garam masala. Cover and cook for 15 mins. Stir occasionally. Garnish with some curry leaves and coriander leaves.

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