5 from 1 vote

Delight your taste buds with the vibrant and flavorful journey of Papaya Pickle (Papita Ka Achar).

This traditional recipe combines the wholesome goodness of raw papaya with a medley of aromatic spices, creating a pickle that’s both tangy and spicy.

Let’s dive into the step-by-step guide to crafting this delectable culinary creation.

Table of Contents

KEY TAKEAWAYS

Papaya Pickle blends the wholesome goodness of raw papaya with aromatic spices, creating a tangy and spicy delight.
Use sesame oil for an authentic nutty flavor, and mustard seeds for both crunch and aroma in this pickle.

Balancing spices like turmeric, asafoetida, and Kashmiri red chili powder is crucial for a perfect blend of heat and color.
Slow-cook the papaya slices without covering to ensure they absorb the rich flavors while retaining a slight crunch.
Explore alternative pickles like Chili Pickle, Green Chili and Mango Pickle, Mixed Vegetable Pickle, Mango Pickle, Lime Pickle, and Garlic Pickle to elevate your culinary journey.

How to Make Papaya Pickle? (Step by Step Guide with Images)

Step 1: Start by taking a raw papaya. Wash it, peel it, and cut it into very fine thin and small pieces. Take two cups of raw papaya.

Step 2: Take a pan, heat it, and add 3 tbsp sesame oil. Heat the oil and then add ½ tbsp mustard seeds.

Step 3: Add 2 tbsp garlic cloves and 3 tbsp ginger pieces.

Step 4: Add 4 pieces (slitted) green chilis and 5 to 6 pieces of curry leaves. Mix everything until it turns brown under medium flame.

(Expert tip: Sesame oil is best for making this pickle.)

Step 5: Turn off the stove and add 1 tbsp turmeric powder. Stir all the ingredients.

Step 6: Add 4 tbsp asafoetida, 1 tbsp fenugreek powder, and 4 tbsp Kashmiri red chili powder. Stir all the ingredients.

Step 7: Put on the flame and keep it low. Add 200 ml vinegar into the spice mix. Mix all the ingredients.

Step 8: Add salt as per your taste and mix all the ingredients thoroughly. Wait until it starts simmering.

Step 9: Add two cups of raw papaya into the spice mix and blend it well with all the ingredients. Cook it under low flame. Stir it often until it softens.

(Expert tip: Do not cover it and cook.)

Step 11: As soon as the papaya softens and cooks well, turn off the flame. Your papaya pickle is ready.

Step 12: Take a clean sun-dried glass jar, grease it with sesame oil. Add all the pickle into it and enjoy the delicacy.

Pro Tips for Making Papaya Pickle

Choose Fresh Papaya: Select firm papayas for the best flavor and texture in your pickle.

Precision in Cutting: Ensure uniformity in cutting the papaya into thin slices; this helps in even cooking and enhances the pickle’s consistency.

Sesame Oil Significance: Stick to sesame oil for an authentic taste; it adds a unique nutty flavor that complements the papaya and spices.

Mustard Seeds for Aroma: Mustard seeds not only provide a crunch but also add a distinctive aroma to the pickle. Toast them slightly for enhanced flavor.

Balancing Spices: Adjust the quantities of turmeric, asafoetida, and Kashmiri red chili powder to your spice preference. Kashmiri red chili powder imparts a vibrant color without excessive heat.

Vinegar Magic: Vinegar not only acts as a preservative but also adds a tangy kick to the pickle. Experiment with different types of vinegar for varied flavors.

Salt Sensibility: Be cautious with salt; you can always add more later, so start with a smaller quantity and adjust according to your taste.

Patient Cooking: Slow-cooking the papaya allows it to absorb the flavors and spices thoroughly. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.

Avoid Covering While Cooking: Cooking without a lid helps in reducing moisture content, ensuring a longer shelf life for the pickle.

Perfect Pickle Texture: The pickle is ready when the papaya slices are soft yet retain a slight crunch. Overcooking may result in mushy texture.

Storing Tips for Papaya Pickle

Cool Before Storing: Allow the freshly prepared papaya pickle to cool completely before transferring it to the storage jar.

Airtight Container: Use an airtight glass or food-grade plastic container to store the pickle.

Avoid Metal Containers: Refrain from using metal containers for storing the pickle, as the acidity from the vinegar and spices can react with certain metals, affecting the taste and safety of the pickle.

Layer with Sesame Oil: To create a protective layer, pour a thin film of sesame oil on top of the pickle before sealing the container.

Refrigeration Option: While this papaya pickle can be stored at room temperature for short durations, for longer shelf life, consider refrigerating it.

Dry Spoon Usage: Always use a dry spoon to take out the pickle from the jar.

What to Serve with Papaya Pickle?

Indian Breads: Enjoy papaya pickle with various Indian bread like chapati, paratha, or naan.

Rice Dishes: Serve papaya pickle as a side with traditional rice dishes such as biryani, pulao, or plain steamed rice.

Curries and Sabzis: Pair papaya pickle with your favorite curries or vegetable dishes.

Dosa and Idli: South Indian dishes like dosa and idli can be elevated with the addition of papaya pickle.

Snacks and Appetizers: Use papaya pickle as a condiment or dipping sauce for snacks and appetizers.

Sandwiches and Wraps: Spread a thin layer of papaya pickle on sandwiches or wraps to enhance the flavor profile.

Grilled Meats: Serve papaya pickle alongside grilled meats such as chicken, lamb, or fish.

Salads: Incorporate papaya pickle into salads to add a punch of flavor.

How Does Papaya Pickle Taste?

Papaya pickle offers a tantalizing blend of flavors that dance on the palate.

The tender yet slightly crunchy papaya slices absorb the rich medley of spices, including the earthy warmth of mustard seeds, the pungent notes of garlic and ginger, and the exotic fragrance of curry leaves.

The sesame oil imparts a nutty undertone, while the combination of turmeric, asafoetida, and Kashmiri red chili powder adds a vibrant color and a perfect balance of heat.

The tanginess from the vinegar elevates the overall taste, creating a harmonious fusion of sweet, spicy, and tangy sensations.

Papaya Pickle Alternatives

Elevate your culinary journey by exploring alternative pickles to the classic Papaya Pickle.

Green Chili Pickle (Hari Mirch ka Achar)
Mango Pickle (Aam ka Achar)
Radish Pickle (Mooli ka Pickle)

Carrot Pickle (Gajar ka Achar)
Lime Pickle (Nimbu ka Achar)
Garlic Pickle (Lehsun ka Achar)

Recipe Card

Conclusion

In conclusion, Papaya Pickle stands as a testament to the art of pickle-making, where fresh ingredients and expertly blended spices come together to create a symphony of tastes.