Easy Papaya Atchara Recipe
I. Introduction
A bright, tangy pickled green papaya relish—essential alongside fried or grilled Filipino dishes. This Easy Papaya Atchara Recipe provides the perfect balance of sweet, sour, and spicy flavors that makes it an indispensable accompaniment to many Filipino meals.
II. Ingredients
- 1 medium green papaya, julienned
- 2 large carrots, julienned
- 1 red bell pepper, julienned
- 6 cloves garlic, sliced
- 1 inch fresh ginger, julienned
- 1 cup white vinegar
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1 tbsp salt
- 1 tsp black peppercorns
- 1 tsp turmeric powder (optional, for color)
III. Equipment
- Glass jar with lid
- Mixing bowl
- Knife and cutting board
- Pot for heating
- Measuring cups and spoons
IV. Instructions
- Julienne the green papaya, carrots, and bell pepper into matchstick-sized pieces.
- In a pot, combine vinegar, sugar, salt, and peppercorns. Heat until sugar and salt dissolve.
- Add garlic, ginger, and turmeric to the pot, then remove from heat.
- Mix the julienned vegetables in a large bowl with the warm vinegar mixture.
- Pack the mixture into clean glass jars, ensuring all vegetables are covered.
- Allow to cool to room temperature, then seal and refrigerate.
- Let it sit for at least 24 hours before serving for best flavor.
V. Tips
Keep everything dry to prevent spoilage; adjust sugar-vinegar ratio to taste. Use fresh green papaya that’s firm but not hard. The atchara will keep for several months in the refrigerator. For extra crunch, you can add some sliced onions as well. Make sure the vegetables are completely covered by the liquid to prevent spoilage.
VI. Serving
With lechon, fried chicken, or longganisa. This tangy relish is particularly delicious with grilled or fried foods, where its acidity helps cut through the richness of the dishes. It’s a traditional accompaniment to many Filipino breakfasts and special occasion meals.
VII. Storage
Keeps 2-3 weeks refrigerated. Store in airtight containers in the refrigerator. The atchara becomes more flavorful over time as the ingredients meld together. Make sure all utensils used are clean to prevent contamination that could cause spoilage.
