5 from 6 votes
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.
Prep Time
10 mins
Cook Time
5 mins
Brining Time
30 mins
Total Time
45 mins
Servings:
6
(yield: 2 quarts)
Calories:
171 kcal
Course:
Others
Cuisine:
Filipino
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 bell pepper thinly sliced, small red
- 1 shallot thinly sliced, small
- 6 cloves garlic thinly sliced
- ½ cup raisins optional
- 1 teaspoon ginger grated
- ½ teaspoon white pepper
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes crushed
- 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.
Cup of Yum
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 Information
Calories
171kcal
(9%)
Carbohydrates
40g
(13%)
Protein
2g
(4%)
Fat
1g
(2%)
Saturated Fat
0.2g
(1%)
Polyunsaturated Fat
0.2g
(1%)
Monounsaturated Fat
0.1g
(1%)
Sodium
5141mg
(214%)
Potassium
464mg
(10%)
Fiber
4g
(16%)
Sugar
24g
(48%)
Vitamin A
3756IU
(75%)
Vitamin C
120mg
(133%)
Calcium
59mg
(6%)
Iron
1mg
(6%)
Nutrition Facts
Serving: 6 (yield: 2 quarts)
Amount Per Serving
Calories 171
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 171kcal | 9% |
| Carbohydrates | 40g | 13% |
| Protein | 2g | 4% |
| Fat | 1g | 2% |
| Saturated Fat | 0.2g | 1% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.2g | 1% |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 0.1g | 1% |
| Sodium | 5141mg | 214% |
| Potassium | 464mg | 10% |
| Fiber | 4g | 16% |
| Sugar | 24g | 48% |
| Vitamin A | 3756IU | 75% |
| Vitamin C | 120mg | 133% |
| Calcium | 59mg | 6% |
| Iron | 1mg | 6% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.