Achara (Filipino Pickled Green Papaya Apsara)
Achara, the Filipino flavor-bomb pickled condiment, features julienned green papaya, complemented by the crispness of carrots and the sweet juiciness of red bell peppers. Infused with a meticulous blend of ginger, white pepper, and red pepper flakes, the pickling liquid adds warmth and depth.
Servings: 6 (yield: 2 quarts)
Calories: 171kcal
Cost: $6.50
Ingredients
- 2 pounds green papaya julienned
- ¼ cup salt don’t worry, you will not consume this!
- 6 cups water
- 1 carrot julienne cut or shredded
- 1 small red bell pepper thinly sliced
- 1 small shallot thinly sliced
- 6 cloves garlic thinly sliced
- ½ cup raisins optional
- 1 teaspoon grated ginger
- ½ teaspoon white pepper
- ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- 1 ⅔ cups white vinegar
- ⅓ cup water
- ⅓ cup sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Whisk together the 6 cups of water and ¼ cup of salt and submerge the green papaya in it for 30 minutes.
- Rinse thoroughly under cold running water until no longer salty.
- Place the rinsed brined papaya in a large bowl along with the julienned carrot, thinly sliced red bell pepper, shallot, sliced garlic, and optional raisins. Toss the vegetables together.
- In a saucepan, combine grated ginger, white pepper, crushed red pepper flakes, vinegar, water, sugar, and salt. Stir over medium heat until the sugar and salt completely dissolve.
- Pour the hot pickling liquid over the vegetable mix, ensuring all vegetables are submerged.
- Allow the achara to cool to room temperature. Once cooled, cover and refrigerate for at least a few hours or, ideally, overnight.
- Serve as a side dish or condiment.
Notes
🔪 Precise Papaya Prep:
Achieve ideal texture by evenly julienning green papaya. For precision, consider using a mandolin. The 30-minute brining, followed by thorough rinsing, is crucial for optimal texture and quality.
🫙 Jar Sterilization:
Ensure longer shelf life by storing Achara in impeccably clean jars. Two cleaning options:
Option 1: Wash jars, lids, and seals in hot, soapy water. Submerge in a boiling water bath for at least 10 minutes. Air-dry upside down to prevent contamination.
Option 2: Use a dishwasher with a sanitize cycle for efficient sterilization, saving time and keeping jars pristine for your delectable Achara.
Nutrition
Calories: 171kcal | Carbohydrates: 40g | Protein: 2g | Fat: 1g | Saturated Fat: 0.2g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 0.1g | Sodium: 5141mg | Potassium: 464mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 24g | Vitamin A: 3756IU | Vitamin C: 120mg | Calcium: 59mg | Iron: 1mg