Raw Papaya Thoran / Kappanga Thoran

This dish comes from my place, Kerala. Do not have words to tell you how tasty it is..Raw Papaya is supposed to be very good for the digestive system, especially for children. It is called Kappanga / Kaplanga / Omakka. It has got different names in different places. My mom cooks this dish so well and that is what prompts me to buy this vegetable very often. But you know, even if I try one hundred times, I cannot match the heavenly taste of Kappanga Thoran made by my mother.. This has got very few ingredients but I must say that the Raw Papaya takes a bit longer to cook. The easier and tastier way to cook this veggie is by boiling it with a spoon of coconut oil drizzled on top. That way, it cooks faster. Try this recipe and let me know how it turns out..

Ingredients:

Method:

1. Cut the papaya length wise and wash well. Drain it and boil (preferably in a kadai or a heavy bottomed pan) with enough water, turmeric powder and 1 tsp of coconut oil drizzled on top. This would take at least 10 – 15 minutes in a covered pan. When it is almost done, add salt. The water added should be absorbed fully by the vegetable. Keep this aside.

2. When the papaya is boiling, grind the grated coconut with green chillies and small onions. We do not want finely ground mixture. Just a pulse or two in the mixture would do.

3. In a pan, add the remaining coconut oil. When the oil becomes hot, add mustard seeds and red chillies. When the mustard seeds splutter, add curry leaves and the boiled papaya along with the ground coconut mixture. Mix well and simmer for 2 – 3 minutes. Serve hot with steamed rice.

Hope you liked this recipe…What are you waiting for?? Pour out your thoughts in the form of comments..