Raw/Green Papaya Salad (Sambharo)

Servings: 6-7
Preparation time:4-5 minutes.
Frying time: 5 minutes.
Total time: 10 minutes.

First-time I tasted “Raw Papaya Salad” when one of my Gujarati friend prepared it during our picnic, its refreshing flavour instantly won my heart.

Nearby our picnic spot, we noticed a lush green raw papaya plant, hanging green fruits looking so beautiful; that sparked the idea to make the fresh salad right there.

My friend grated the raw papaya, mixed it with lemon juice, green chili, salt and served it instantly. The crisp texture, tangy-spicy flavour and natural freshness made it an unforgettable dish.

Yesterday, I prepared the same Raw Papaya Salad that I tasted years ago during our picnic, and it brought back all those delightful memories.

I served it with Crispy Papadi, and the combination turned out absolutely awesome; the crunch of papadi paired beautifully with the tangy-spicy freshness of the salad.

Traditionally, Gujarati people serve this salad with fafda, which adds an earthy crunch and balances the flavours even more. The grated raw papaya mixed with lemon juice, chilli gives a refreshing burst of taste, making it perfect as a light snack or side dish.

This simple yet flavourful recipe truly shows how healthy food can be delicious too.

Ingredients:

Raw Papaya (Kachcha Papita): 200-250 gm.
Olive oil/Cooking oil: 2 tablespoon
Salt: half teaspoon
Sugar: 1/2 teaspoon (optional)
Lemon: half
Chilli Flakes: 1/2 teaspoon
Turmeric powder: 1 pinch
Coriander Cumin powder: 1/4 teaspoon
Mustard seed: 1/4 teaspoon
Cumin: 1/4 teaspoon
Asafoetida: 1 pinch
Curry Leaves: 1 twig

Preparation:

Peel off and grate raw papaya, keep aside.

Method:

Heat oil in a wok, put mustard seed and cumin; sputter for few seconds, add asafoetida, green chilli and curry leaves, stir fry for few second until green chilli just change its colour.
Add salt, turmeric powder, chilli powder and coriander powder; add grated papaya; stir fry on high flame for couple of minutes
Continue to fry on high flame for 2-3 minutes, put off the flame.
Add lemon juice, transfer into serving tray.
Serve with papadi or Fafda as per your choice. you may serve with Paratha or as side dish of your meal time.