Unripe Papaya Poriyal

Ingredients

• - 250g raw papaya
• - 2 tbsp oil
• - 1 tsp mustard seeds
• - 1/2 tsp urad dal
• - 2 dried red chillies
• - 1 sprig curry leaves
• - 1 small onion
• - 1/4 tsp turmeric
• - Salt to taste
• - 1/4 cup grated coconut

Method

1. Prepare unripe papaya: Peel 250g unripe green papaya. Remove seeds and grate coarsely or cut into thin matchstick strips.
2. Salt and squeeze: Add a pinch of salt to the grated papaya. Mix and squeeze out excess bitter juice.
3. Make tempering: Heat 2 tbsp oil. Add 1 tsp mustard seeds — when they pop add 1 tsp urad dal and fry golden.
4. Add aromatics: Add 1 broken dried red chilli, 1 sprig curry leaves and a pinch of asafoetida. Fry 20 seconds.
5. Add shallots: Add 5 sliced shallots and cook 3 minutes.
6. Add papaya: Add the squeezed papaya. Season with half tsp turmeric and salt.
7. Cover and cook: Cover and cook on low heat 8-10 minutes until papaya is tender.
8. Open and dry: Cook uncovered on high heat 2-3 minutes.
9. Add coconut: Add 3 tbsp freshly grated coconut. Toss on high heat 1-2 minutes.
10. Serve: Unripe papaya poriyal is an unusual and nutritious side dish. Serve with steamed rice and sambar.