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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
10 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 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

    Cup of Yum
  1. Whisk together the 6 cups of water and ¼ cup of salt and submerge the green papaya in it for 30 minutes.
  2. Rinse thoroughly under cold running water until no longer salty.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. Pour the hot pickling liquid over the vegetable mix, ensuring all vegetables are submerged.
  6. Allow the achara to cool to room temperature. Once cooled, cover and refrigerate for at least a few hours or, ideally, overnight.
  7. 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 Information

Calories 171kcal (9%) Carbohydrates 40g (13%) Protein 2g (4%) Fat 1g (2%) Saturated Fat 0.2g (1%) Polyunsaturated Fat 0.2g Monounsaturated Fat 0.1g Sodium 5141mg (214%) Potassium 464mg (13%) 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.