Papaya / Omakka Aviyal

Ingredients (Serves 4 – 5)

1. Papaya – 2.5 cups, thinly sliced
2. Turmeric powder – 1/2 tsp
   Chilli powder – 1/2 tsp
   Green chilly – 1, slit
   Salt – As required
   Curry leaves – A few
   Water – 1/2 – 3/4 cup or as required
3. Tamarind – Small goose berry sized soaked in 2 tbsp hot water and squeezed to get the juice (It can be replaced with 2 tbsp sour yoghurt)
4. Grated coconut – 1 – 1.25 cup or as required
   Turmeric powder – 1/4 tsp
   Cumin seeds – 1/2 tsp
   Green chilies – 3 – 4
5. Coconut oil – 1.5 tbsp
   Curry leaves – A few
6. Salt – To taste

Method

1. Crush grated coconut adding turmeric powder, cumin seeds and green chilies. Set aside until ready to use.
2. Cook papaya adding ingredients numbered 2. Cook covered for 10 – 15 minutes till papaya is completely cooked and water is mostly evaporated. Add tamarind juice and cook for 1 – 2 minutes. Next add crushed coconut. Cover and cook for 1 – 2 minutes over low flame. Mix gently. Cook for a minute. Taste-check for salt. Switch off the flame. Add coconut oil and a few curry leaves. Let rest for 10 minutes. Mix gently and serve with rice and other side-dishes.