Papaya Pulissery/ Papaya Moru Curry

Papaya Pulissery or Kaplanga Pulissery is another favourite curd dish in Kerala, mainly cooked in central and south Kerala. While some people use unripe papaya, some use semi ripe papaya to make this delicious curry. It is very delicious and nutritious as well, as Papaya is rich in anti-oxidant nutrients, flavonoids and other vitamins. Like the Kalan, Mambazha pulissery, Chakkakuru Manga curry and Kumbalanga Moru Curry, Papaya Pulissery is also a sweet sour combination dish and goes well with rice. Other curd and coconut Ozhichu curry recipes (as it is known in Kerala) are Vellarikka Kichadi, Sadya style Parippu curry, Pineapple Pachadi, Pavakka Kichadi, Angamaly Manga curry etc. 

Papaya trees are found in almost all the households in Kerala. Now with scientific studies claiming that Papaya leaves are helpful in controlling Dengue fever, its popularity has increased. Unripe Papaya are rich in enzymes that are good for stomach health and also has many other health benefits. I can happily confess that I am a Papaya fan, be it ripe ones or unripe papaya thoran or Papaya Pulissery/ Papaya Pachadi. It aids in digestion and weight loss; hence it is a regular item in my menu. This recipe is my Mom’s version of Papaya Pulissery; the thick and yummy pulissery. Hope you all will enjoy it as much as I do. It is quite simple and delicious. Try and let me know if you like it.

Ingredients :

Method:

Peel and clean the Papaya and cut into cubes. Cook these with sliced shallots, one or two split green chili, curry leaves and little turmeric powder and ¾ cup water. Once it is cooked, mash it with a potato masher or thick spoon coarsely. Grind the coconut with green chili, shallots, turmeric powder and cumin.

Add this coconut mix to the papaya and cover and cook for few minutes on low flame. Add salt to taste. Beat the thick curd (medium sour) and pour it to the pan, stir well and take the pan from the flame. Combine well, add enough salt.

Heat coconut oil in a kadai, pop mustards, add sliced shallots, curry leaves and red chili. Garnish the Papaya Pulissery with this. Serve hot with Rice and other side dishes.

Tips:

• I have used unripe green Papaya for making this pulissery. If you are using semi ripe papaya, add little red chili powder to cook the papaya to balance the sweetness.
• Once the curd is added, be careful to stir so as not to curdle. Cook on low flame only.
• Please note that for all types of Pulissery, the curd should be medium sour; not more not less.
• When we mash the Papaya, the pulissery becomes thicker, like semi solid version. You may also try without mashing as per your choice.
• Use coconut oil for better taste.

Health Benefits:

• Papaya contains essential nutrients and minerals like potassium, magnesium, and vitamins like A, C, B and E.
• Green unripe papayas aid digestion, converts proteins into essential amino acids, cleanses the colon, fights nausea and constipation to name a few.
• Moreover, green unripe papayas are also good for women as it protects the urinary tract from infections.
• It helps to reduce inflammation, improves immune system and fight bacteria and viruses.

Hope you liked this thick and delicious Papaya Pulissery recipe. It would really motivate me if you will send me your comments or share with friends through the share buttons below. God Bless!