Papaya aviyal is another version of the traditional aviyal and unusual in that it is made only with papaya and no other vegetable. Aviyal is a dry vegetable preparation with no gravy. An “Aviyal” is a popular preparation from Kerala where a medley of vegetables such as ashgourd, raw plantain, elephant yam, drumstick, green beans, carrots, eggplant, etc. are cooked together with a spiced coconut paste and yogurt.
Using a papaya that is in the very early stages of ripening, gives an interesting taste to this aviyal in addition to providing amazing health benefits. A papaya at this stage would still be deep green on the outside but with very faint and small patches of whitish-yellowness. This tasty papaya aviyal makes a perfect side dish with rice.
Time to start on this aviyal…..
Ingredients
- 1 small Papaya, raw (just beginning to ripen)
- 1 cup Yogurt, slightly sour and thick
- ½ tsp. Turmeric powder
- ½ tsp. Chilli powder
- Few tbsps. Coconut, grated
- 1 tsp. Cumin seeds
- 2 – 3 Green chillies
- Salt, to taste
- 2 tbsps. Coconut oil
- 2 sprigs of Curry leaves
Method
- Peel the papaya, remove seeds and cut into long pieces like we cut potatoes for finger chips.
- Cook the papaya with turmeric powder, chilli powder and salt and half a cup water till soft but firm.
- Grind the coconut, cumin seeds and green chillies into a fine paste. Keep aside. Whisk the yogurt till smooth and keep aside.
- When the papaya mix is cooked, add the coconut paste and mix well. Turn down the heat and add the yogurt. Mix well. When the mixture just starts to boil, take off the heat.
- Pour the coconut oil and stir. Add the curry leaves and cover.
- Serve delicious and tasty papaya aviyal with rice.