Pepe Shukto (Raw Papaya Curry)

Name: Pepe Shukto (Raw Papaya Curry)
Cuisine: Indian
Ingredients: 1 medium size papaya, chopped; 8-10 bori / vadi (dried lentil dumplings); 2 tbsp. mustard oil; 2 bay leaves; 1-2 dry red chilies; 1 tsp. panch phoron (five spice); 2 green chilies, slit; to taste salt; 1/4 tsp. turmeric powder (opt); 1 tsp. roasted cumin powder; 1 tsp. ginger paste; 1 tsp. whole wheat flour; 1 tsp. ghee; 1 tbsp. kasundi / mustard paste; 1 tbsp. coriander leaves, chopped (opt)

Bethica Das @kitchen_flavours

Sharjah (UAE)

#summerfood - Shukto in general is a traditional Bengali cuisine and a great comfort food for most Bengalis. It is considered as a delicacy. No menu is complete without this dish. It can be cooked with a medley of veggies, with or without bitter gourd. It is served with hot steamed rice at the beginning of a full course meal.

There are many versions to preparing Shukto. So let me share Raw Papaya Shukto, that is considered to have a cooling effect on the tummy during summer. It is a simple preparation with minimal of spices and is tempered with Bengali five spice - panch phoron.

Bethica Das @kitchen_flavours

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Ingredients

1medium size papaya, chopped
8-10bori / vadi (dried lentil dumplings)
2 tbsp.mustard oil
2bay leaves
1-2dry red chilies
1 tsp.panch phoron (five spice)
2green chilies, slit
to tastesalt
1/4 tsp.turmeric powder (opt)
1 tsp.roasted cumin powder
1 tsp.ginger paste
1 tsp.whole wheat flour
1 tsp.ghee
1 tbsp.kasundi / mustard paste
1 tbsp.coriander leaves, chopped (opt)

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Steps

1

Heat oil in a pan and temper with bay leaves, red chilies and panch phoron. Saute for a few seconds. After it stops spluttering, add the vadi and fry till light brown.
2

Add the chopped papaya and all the dry spices. Mix everything well and stir fry on a high flame for 2-3 minutes.
3

Add 1 cup water and green chilies. Simmer, covered till the papaya is cooked. You may add more water if not done.
4

Add the ginger paste, whole wheat flour and kasundi mixed with 1/4 cup water. Give it a stir and simmer for a minute.
5

Switch off the flame and add the ghee and coriander leaves. Serve as a side dish with plain steamed rice.