The Raw Papaya Sabzi

The Raw Papaya sabzi Or Kacha Peper Dalna

The raw papaya is a health food among the eastern states of West Bengal ,Assam and Odissa.It forms a regular part of the diet owing to its many food values.among other things,the raw papaya is an excellent  natural de-worming agent ,and works very effectively if consumed in a regular basis.
This vegetable is taken plain boiled with rice with a sprinkling of mustard oil ,or it is consumed by making its preparation without onion and garlic.This is best eaten on days ,when you want to eat  a plain homecooked non spicy meal and yet not miss out on taste.

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Ingredients

Raw papaya-about 500 gms
Potatoes -2 medium( peeled and cut in cubes)
Mustard oil-1 tablespoon
Cumin seeds-1 teaspoon
bay leaves-2
ghee-1 teaspoon
Sugar -1 teaspoon
Salt -as per taste
Cumin powder-1 teaspoon
Coriander powder-2 teaspoon
chilli powder-1 teaspoon
turmeric powder-1 teaspoon
Garam masala powder- 1teaspoon

The raw papaya needs to be peeled first,once the green skin has been peeled,it has to be cut into pieces lengthwise,and then the inner potion (the white ends of the seeds  have to be scraped out.If not done the preparation will get  a bitter taste.Once done the long pieces have to be cut into bite size pieces and then kept in water for 15 minutes.
This dish does not call for coriander leaves,the flavours are best enjoyed when garam masala is added to it.and the ghee adds a subtle touch of tradition to it.I always use  a mix of green cardamom,cinnamon and cloves,the quantity of Cinnamon being the highest.Sugar is the quintessential element in all traditional Bengali fare,so makes it way in this dish too.
The quantity of the cumin ,coriander and the chilli powder can be increased if you want more gravy in it.Needless to say the quantity of oil also increases with the spices.

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Method

1- Take the papaya cubes out of water and boil them till tender.Alternatively ,you can also pressure cook them with little water till 2 whistles .The papaya pieces should not get mushy,they should be cooked but stay firm.

2-Take them out of the water and discard the water.

3-heat oil in a pan

4-add the cumin and the bay leaves

5-Once the cumin splutters,add the potato pieces with the salt and the turmeric.

6-Cover and cook in medium low heat till little tender

7-Add in the papaya pieces,and add the cumin ,coriander and chilli powder over the papaya.

8-Stir and mix well.the spices and the papaya pieces should be well coated with oil

9-Cover and cook in medium low heat till the spices give out their fried aroma

10-Remove the lid and add water ,increase the heat to high and bring to a boil The quantity of water depends on how much gravy you want and the quantity of spices you have put.

11-Add in the sugar and the garam masala

12-Switch off the flame and leave covered for ten minutes before you serve.

This preparation is best enjoyed with steamed rice.Though some people love to have it with hot  ,thin chapati or phulkas.