Green Papaya Curry
I decided to prepare green papaya curry to highlight this versatile tropical fruit. I mostly eat papaya alone, in a smoothie, or in a fruit salad.
If you haven’t tried papaya as yet then you want to see this article to find out What Is Papaya?
Green papaya is the unripe fruit of the papaya, originally from Central America but it is now grown in tropical regions of the world throughout the Caribbean and even here in Florida.
My first recollection of eating green papaya was when my mom used it as a meat tenderizer for stews. I later had it when I visited the Island of Antigua when it was prepared boiled in salted water and served as a vegetable side dish.
Green papaya is popular in many Asian cuisines where it is prepared as a salad, in stews, braised. I decided to make this green papaya recipe that turned out so flavorful.
Health Benefits Of Green Papaya
I have to emphasize the amazing health benefits of green papaya. It contains more papain, a digestive enzyme that helps to break down protein in the body, than ripe papaya. Papain helps to improve digestion.
Green papaya contains a good source of fiber and latex, which help wastes to pass from the colon easier.
Carotenoids are also found in papaya, which are converted by the body into Vitamin A. Vitamin A boosts eye health, prevents macular degeneration.
Why You’ll Love This Green Papaya Recipe
- Unique Flavor: Green papaya adds a unique and refreshing flavor to the curry, making it stand out from other curry dishes.
- Health Benefits: Green papaya is packed with nutrients, including papain, fiber, carotenoids, and vitamin A, which contribute to improved digestion and overall health.
- Creamy Coconut Sauce: The coconut milk in the curry sauce gives it a rich and creamy texture that complements the green papaya beautifully.
- Vegan and Gluten-Free: This recipe is suitable for those with dietary restrictions, as it’s both vegan and gluten-free.
Ingredients Needed
- Green Papaya – Green papaya is sold in most major supermarkets, Caribbean and Asian supermarkets. It is usually sold when the skin is green or yellow-green.
- Coconut Oil
- Aromatics including onion, garlic, ginger, and green onion.
- Spices and herbs including thyme, curry powder, turmeric, cumin, and salt
- Coconut Milk
- Scotch Bonnet Pepper
How To Make Green Papaya Curry
- Cut the papaya in half lengthwise, using a sharp knife peel the thin green skin off the papaya,
- Scoop out the white immature seeds (optional). Cut the papaya into approximately 1/2 inch cubes. Set aside
- Heat oil in a large saucepan over medium-high heat. Add onion and cook until soft, about 2 minutes.
- Add garlic, ginger, green onion, thyme, and cook for a minute stirring.
- Add the curry powder, turmeric, cumin and cook until fragrant, 30 seconds.
- Stir in the papaya cubes to coat. Add coconut milk, water, salt, and pepper.
- Bring the curry to a boil, reduce heat to simmer for 25-30 minutes, mash some of the papayas.
- Serve with cooked brown rice or quinoa.
Recipe Tips
- Look for green papayas with a firm texture. Avoid overly ripe or yellow ones, as they won’t work well in this curry.
- Be cautious when using Scotch Bonnet pepper. If you’re sensitive to spice, start with a small amount and add more gradually until you reach your desired level of heat.
- You can use full-fat or light coconut milk based on your dietary preferences. Full-fat coconut milk will make the curry richer and creamier, while light coconut milk will reduce the overall calorie content.
Substitutions and Variations
- Add cooked chickpeas for a plant-based protein boost.
- For added crunch and creaminess, toss in some roasted cashews before serving.
- Fresh cilantro leaves as a garnish can add a burst of freshness.
- Instead of brown rice or quinoa, serve the curry with jasmine rice, basmati rice, or even roti.
Storage Tips
Refrigerator
If you have leftovers, let the curry cool to room temperature. Then, transfer it to an airtight container.
Ensure that the container is sealed tightly to prevent any air from getting in, which can cause the curry to spoil faster.
Typically, cooked curry can be refrigerated for up to 3-4 days.
Freezer
If you want to store the curry for a longer period, consider freezing it. Transfer the cooled curry to an airtight, freezer-safe container or heavy-duty freezer bags. Leave some room at the top of the container or bag to allow for expansion.
Green Papaya Curry can be frozen for up to 2-3 months
Reheating
When you’re ready to use the papaya curry, move it to the refrigerator to thaw slowly. This will help maintain the texture and flavor.
It’s also possible to reheat it from frozen, but do so over low heat, and stir occasionally to prevent sticking or scorching.
Whether you’re reheating from the refrigerator or freezer, it’s best to do so on the stovetop or in the microwave. Slowly warm it over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until it’s heated through.
Add a bit of water or coconut milk if it has thickened too much during storage.
Recipe FAQs
After purchasing papaya, you will need to store it in the refrigerator to prevent it from turning ripe if you do not intend to prepare the curry right away.
Leave your green papaya on a dry counter for a couple of days. The skin will turn yellow and the flesh will become orange.Â
Ripe papaya has a different texture and flavor, so it’s not recommended as a substitute. Green papaya is firmer and less sweet, making it more suitable for savory dishes like curry.
Green papaya is typically available in most Caribbean and Asian supermarkets. Look for it in the produce section.
Other Amazing Curry Recipes To Try
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Green Papaya Curry
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 pounds green papaya or 4 cups chopped
- 1 tablespoon coconut oil or use 1/2 cup of coconut milk to saute with
- 1/2 cup onion chopped
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1 teaspoon ginger grated
- 2 stalks green onion chopped
- 2 sprigs fresh thyme
- 2 tablespoons curry powder
- 1/2 teaspoon ground turmeric
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 Scotch Bonnet pepper Optional or 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1 cup coconut milk
- 1/2 cup water
Instructions
- Cut the papaya in half lengthwise, using a sharp knife peel the thin green skin off the papaya,
- Scoop out the white immature seeds (optional). Cut the papaya into approximately 1/2 inch cubes. Set aside
- Heat oil in a large saucepan over medium-high heat. Add onion and cook until soft, about 2 minutes.
- Add garlic, ginger, green onion, thyme, and cook for a minute stirring.
- Add the curry powder, turmeric, cumin and cook until fragrant, 30 seconds.
- Stir in the papaya cubes to coat. Add coconut milk, water, salt, and pepper.
- Bring the curry to a boil, reduce heat to simmer for 25-30 minutes, mash some of the papayas.
- Serve with cooked brown rice or quinoa.
I couldn’t agree more! This Green Papaya Curry truly is a taste sensation. The combination of tender green papaya and aromatic coconut curry sauce is absolutely divine. I could eat this dish every day and never get tired of its delicious flavours and textures. It’s definitely a must-try for anyone who loves bold and exotic flavours.
One of my daughters in law is from India. She uses a lot of curry. Trying different ways to make and use it is fun.
I enjoy making allot of different curry style recipes myself it’s fun and delicious.
i wonder how this is on tender stomachs. I’ll add it to my recipe book.
This green papaya curry looks delicious! I like it has papain digestive enzyme that helps to improve digestion.
major flavor in this curry recipe. it’s a keeper for sure, we loved the color and texture.
This sounds like it is loaded with flavors and it looks pretty good too! I didn’t know you could cook with green papaya so I learned two new things. Thanks for sharing.
Papaya is one of those fruits I usually pass up on trips to the grocery store. I see it, but I don’t buy it. This recipe gives me reason to pick one up next time I’m at the store.
This sounds like a lovely wholesome dish and the ingredients are readily available at my end. I am going to make this over the weekend. Thanks for sharing.
let me know how you liked it.
This sounds gorgeous and looks good too! Would love to try making this at home. I love curries, and we’d have them quite often but never tried a green papaya curry before.
This looks delicious. Will need to try in the near future!