Atcharang Papaya Recipe

Atchara, a sweet and sour  appetizer is a popular Filipino pickled vegetables usually served with fried dishes and rice. Homemade atchara is very easy to make and will save you money than buying the commercial one and you  can be sure of its freshness and cleanliness.

Ingredients:

• 4 cups grated green papaya
• 2 small carrots, pared and sliced thinly
• 1/4 cup thinly sliced red onion (or shallot/sibuyas tagalog)
• 1 small green bell pepper, seeded and cut into strips
• 1 small red bell pepper, seeded and cut into strips
• 5 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
• 2 tbsp ginger, cut into thin strips
• 1/2 cup coarse salt (to dehydrate papaya)
• 1/3 cups raisins
• 1 tbsp peppercorn

Procedure:

1. Combine salt and grated papaya, mix and set aside for 5-10 minutes.
2. Knead for few minutes.  Squeeze the shredded papaya until all the liquid comes out. You can use your hand or any clean cloth (cheese cloth).
3. Put the papaya back in the large bowl. and combine with carrots, garlic, ginger, onions, whole pepper corn, bell pepper, and raisins.
4. Place the combined vegetables and spices in a sterilized airtight jar and pour-in the pickling solution.
5. Seal the jar and place inside the refrigerator for a week  to achieve the expected texture and flavor.

Pickling solution

• 4 cup white vinegar
• 1 cup water
• 4 cup sugar
• 1 Tbsp salt

1. Combine all the ingredients in a saucepan.
2. Place over moderate heat, heat until sugar is dissolved.
3. Bring to a boil. Lower the heat and simmer for a few minutes
4. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.