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Pepe Ghonto

Pepe Ghonto (Raw Papaya Dry Curry)

Pepe Ghonto, Green papaya, a throw of roasted peanuts and raisins and a kiss of spices. That's it. No fuss. From Grandmas collection of recipes.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Bengali

Ingredients
  

  • 1 medium sized raw papaya grated
  • 1 small sized potato cut into medium sized cubes
  • 8 - 10 boris or dried lentil dumplings
  • 1 tsp turmeric powder
  • 1/2 tsp coriander powder
  • 2 - 3 dry red chillies
  • 2 bay leaves
  • 1 - 2 green cardamom
  • 1 - 2 cloves
  • 1 inch cinnamon stick
  • 1/2 tbsp peanuts
  • 1/2 tbsp raisins
  • 3 tbsps mustard oil
  • 1 tbsp ghee
  • 1/2 tsp garam masala powder
  • sugar to taste
  • salt to taste

Instructions
 

  • Soak the raisins in a little water, keep aside.
  • Dissolve the turmeric powder and coriander powder in a little water to form a paste.
  • Heat 1 tbsp oil in a kadai/deep frying pan, fry the peanuts, keep aside on an absorbent towel.
  • Add a dash of oil if required, fry the boris until golden in color. Remove from the oil, keep aside on an absorbent towel to drain the excess oil.
  • In the same oil, fry the potatoes until golden brown in color. Remove from the oil, keep aside on an absorbent towel.
  • Add the remaining oil, throw in the bay leaves, dry red chillies, crushed cinnamon, cardamom and cloves. When the spices start releasing their aroma, add in the turmeric-coriander paste and saute for 3-4 minutes.
  • Now add in the grated papaya and a sprinkle of salt, cover and cook over a medium flame. The papaya shall release a lot of water, so no need to add in any water. Stir occasionally, add a splash of water only in case it is becoming too dry and the papaya is threatening to stick to the bottom of the kadai.
  • When papaya is about 75% cooked, add the potatoes, raisins and peanuts.
  • Continue to cook over a medium flame till the papaya and potatoes are perfectly cooked, adding a splash of water whenever needed. (Take care that the papaya is just cooked and doesn't become mushy.)
  • Time to add the sugar, fried boris and adjust the seasonings. Mix well, cook for a further 5 minutes.
  • Finish with a dollop of ghee and a sprinkle of garam masala powder. Your pepe ghonto is ready.