achara (atsara)

Myrtle Beach, SC
Updated on Jul 7, 2013

Achara, or atsara, means pickled green papaya. Well, basically. Carrots, ginger, onions and bell peppers are added to the papaya to turn it into achara. The pickling solution–a mixture of vinegar, sugar and salt–preserves the papaya and the vegetables. In air-tight jars, achara will keep even without refrigeration. After the jar has been opened, however, it is best to refrigerate achara. This weekend we had a yard sale I only made enough to dress up the hot dogs BIG mistake every one love it! Gone before I could get seconds.

prep time 1 Hr
cook time 30 Min
method ---
yield 4 serving(s)

Ingredients

  • 1 - green papaya, (unripe)
  • 1 - carrot
  • 1 - red bell pepper
  • 1 - green bell pepper
  • 1 - onions, vidalia, peeled
  • 1 tube ginger, thumb-sized piece
  • - rock salt
  • FOR THE PICKLING SOLUTION
  • 1 cup vinegar
  • 1 1/8 cups sugar
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons black pepper

How To Make achara (atsara)

  • Step 1
    Peel the papaya and cut in half. Scoop out the seeds with a spoon. Shred the papaya using a vegetable grater (similar to a cheese grater but with bigger holes). Sprinkle with about a tablespoonful of rock salt and toss well. Let stand for 15-20 minutes then squeeze out the juices.
  • Step 2
    Peel and cut the carrot into florets.
  • Step 3
    Seed the bell peppers and julienne.
  • Step 4
    Peel the ginger and julienne.
  • Step 5
    Toss the papaya and the vegetables together.
  • Step 6
    Mix together the ingredients for the pickling solution except for the pepper. Bring to a boil, stirring to completely dissolve the sugar and salt. Cool. Pour over the papaya and vegetables, add the pepper and toss well. Let stand for about 30 minutes before serving.

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