Atchara

Primarily pickled unripe papaya. Best partner in fried foods.

Ingredients:

3 to 4 lbs green papaya, julienned
2 medium sized carrots, julienned
1 large onion, thinly sliced lengthwise
10 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
2 tbsp whole peppercorn
1 large red bell pepper, cut into strips
1 knob ginger, cut into thin strips
1/4 cup salt (to dehydrate papaya)
1 1/2 tsp salt (for the brine or syrup)
2 cups white vinegar
1 1/3 cups granulated sugar
2 small boxes raisins

How to Cook:

• Place the julienned papaya in a large bowl and combine 1/4 cup salt then mix until the salt is well distributed.
• Cover the bowl and place inside the refrigerator overnight (the salt will dehydrate the papaya).
• Place the julienned papaya in a colander or strainer then rinse with running water.
• Using cheesecloth (or any cloth) as a container, put the rinsed papaya inside the cloth and squeeze until all the liquid comes out.
• Put the papaya back in the large bowl and combine with carrots, garlic, ginger, onions, whole pepper corn, bell pepper, and raisins
• Heat the saucepan and pour-in the vinegar and bring to a boil.
• Add the sugar and 1 1/2 tsp salt then stir until well diluted
• Turn of the heat and allow the syrup to cool down until temperature is low enough to handle.
• Place the combined vegetables and spices in a sterilized airtight jar and pour-in the syrup
• Seal the jar and place inside the refrigerator for a week (or 5 days minimum to achieve the expected texture and flavor).
• Serve cold with fried dishes. Taste and Enjoy.