Papaya Thoran / Papaya Stir fry with coconut

An overdose of anything would make you hate it. That is what happened to me w.r.t papaya thoran. i used to be a big fan of this thoran. I used to even like eating raw papaya. But when I moved to the hostel, it was served every other day, just because they had surplus papaya growing in their vegetable garden. I remember hating it since then.

After so many years had passed, when I started to spot the street vegetable vendors in pune, display it among the variety of vegetables, I got tempted. I got one and tried it. We licked clean the bowl. Ever since we used to buy it now and then to make it at home.

This is an amazing side to pair with some pulissery and rice. Try it for yourselves and enjoy a happy meal with your family.

Ingredients

1. 1 small raw papaya, skin and seeds removed
2. 1/2 tsp of mustard seeds
3. 3-4 shallots sliced
4. 2 dry red chillies
5. 1 sprig of curry leaves
6. 1/4 tsp of turmeric powder
7. 1/2 tsp of jeera/cumin seeds
8. 2 green chillies
9. A clove of garlic, chopped
10. 3/4 cup of grated coconut
11. Salt to taste
12. 2 tbsp of oil, preferably coconut oil

Method

• Chop or slice the papaya into small and thin slices. Keep it aside
• In a pan, take the oil. Add the mustard seeds and wait for it to pop.
• Add the sliced shallots, red chillies and curry leaves and saute it. Add half of the turmeric powder and add the chopped papaya. Sprinkle some salt and mix it all well. Turn down the heat to medium low. 
• Let it cook for about 10 minutes, while you stir it every couple of minutes, to avoid sticking or burning.
• Meanwhile, take the grated coconut, remaining turmeric powder, green chillies, chopped garlic and cumin seeds in a blender jar. Blend it or pulse it just to crush everything together.
• Add it to the papaya and mix it well. Cover and cook it for 2-3 minutes. Then stir it againa and cook it open for another minute.
• Serve it hot with some rice and moru curry.

Tips

1. Chopping the papaya thin and into small piece helps it cook faster. You could grate it to. I just prefer chopping/ slicing it.