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One of my favorite things that my mom makes is khofol and esa bazee. When cooked, unripened papaya turns sweet and translucent, and shrimp is the perfect accompaniment for it! This Bengali dish is spicy and lightly (naturally) sweet and savory-and goes perfectly with some fluffy white rice!

Unripe papaya, often overlooked in the culinary world, is a versatile ingredient that can add a delightful twist to various dishes. When combined with shrimp in a rich, aromatic curry, it creates a dish that is both comforting and satisfying. This Unripe Papaya with Shrimp Curry is not only delicious but also nutritious, making it an excellent choice for a hearty family meal.

What is Unripe Papaya?

Unripe papaya, also known as green papaya, is the firm and immature version of the sweet fruit. It has a mild flavor and a crunchy texture, making it perfect for savory dishes. In many cuisines, unripe papaya is used in salads, stir-fries, and curries. It’s rich in vitamins and minerals, and its high fiber content promotes digestive health.

The recipe itself is very simple. It’s made with onion, salt, turmeric, Thai chili, papaya, and shrimp. That’s it! The simple ingredients helps each flavor shine on its own and together. It also cooks very quickly, since neither the shrimp nor the papaya takes very long to get tender.

Cooking the Base

To make khofol bazee start by cutting up an onion thinly into small pieces. Heat a pot on medium low heat and add olive oil and the sliced onions. Season with salt to hell draw out moisture from the onions and cook it down even more. Cover and cook until caramelized-about 15 minutes.

Once the onions are ready, add a little turmeric and a couple of Thai chilis with a slice down the middle. This will keep the chilis intact while imparting some of the spice and flavor. Cook for a few more minutes to toast the spice, then add cleaned shrimp. I like to keep the tails on for even more flavor! Mix to combine, then cover and cook gently.

Cooking the Papaya

In the meantime prepare the green unripened papaya. Cut off the top and bottom end of the papaya, then with a peeled or knife peel off the skin. Cut the papaya in half and use a spoon to remove all the seeds. The papaya should be firm and white on the inside. Slice the papaya into 1/4 inch slices. Then slice again to make matchsticks.

Add the papaya to the shrimp and onions and mix. Cover and lower the heat. Cook, mixing only once or twice, until the papaya is completely tender. Be careful not to mix too much or be too rough or the papaya will break apart and turn to mush!

Remove the pot from the heat and top the bazee with freshly topped cilantro.

Enjoy with a plate of fluffy white rice!

Why You’ll Love This Dish

Unripe Papaya with Shrimp Curry is a delightful combination of textures and flavors. The mild, crunchy papaya complements the succulent shrimp, while the aromatic spices create a comforting base that is perfect for soaking up with rice or bread. This dish is not only delicious but also packed with nutrients, making it a wholesome meal option.

Tips for the Best Unripe Papaya with Shrimp Curry

• Choose Fresh Papaya: Look for unripe papayas that are firm to the touch. Avoid those that have soft spots or blemishes.

• Adjust Spice Levels: If you prefer a milder curry, reduce the number of green chilies or use a milder curry powder. You can always adjust the heat to your preference.

• Add Vegetables: Feel free to incorporate other vegetables like bell peppers, spinach, or carrots to add more nutrition and color to the dish.

• Serve with Accompaniments: This curry pairs beautifully with steamed jasmine rice, basmati rice, or flatbreads like naan or roti. A side of yogurt or a fresh salad can also enhance the meal

• Make it a saucy Curry: to make this dry curry more saucy, one can simply add water once the papaya is almost cooked and let it simmer gently. Another option is to add coconut milk, this will not only make the curry saucy, but also creamy. Adding coconut milk will give the curry more of a Thai flavor

Ingredients

• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 1 onion, chopped fine
• Salt to taste
• 1/2 tsp turmeric
• 2 Thai chilis, sliced down the middle
• 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined with tail on (optional)
• 1 unripened papaya, sliced into matchsticks
• Chopped cilantro to garnish

Directions

1. Heat oil in a pot over medium low heat. Add onions and salt. Cover and cook until lightly caramelized

2. Add turmeric and Thai chili. Stir and cook for 1-2 minutes before adding shrimp. Cover and cook for 5-10 minutes

3. Add in cut papaya and mix gently. Cover and cook, stirring occasionally until the papaya is tender

4. Garnish with chopped cilantro and enjoy with fluffy white rice

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Final Thoughts

Unripe Papaya with Shrimp Curry is a unique and flavorful dish that highlights the versatility of unripe papaya in savory cooking. With its rich flavors, creamy texture, and nutritious ingredients, it’s a wonderful option for any meal.

If you’re not making a large amount, you can always save the rest of the unripe papaya and use it for other delicious dishes, such as Thai papaya salad, or a fish curry with unripe papaya.

This is one of my favorite dishes that my mother cooks. The sweetness of the papaya with the chewy shrimp and spicy base is such a delicious combination of flavors.

Whether you’re cooking for family or hosting a gathering, this curry is sure to impress. So, gather your ingredients, and enjoy the delightful experience of creating and savoring this delicious dish!