Achara (Pickled Papaya) - cooking recipe

Ingredients

1 papaya
1 red bell pepper, julienned
1 green bell pepper, julienned
1 medium carrot, julienned, could also be cut in decorative florets
5 shallots, sliced thinly crosswise
1 large garlic clove, sliced thinly crosswise
1 inch gingerroot, julienned
1/4 cup raisins (optional)
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon fresh coarse ground black pepper
Pickling Solution
1 cup vinegar
1 cup sugar
1 teaspoon salt

Preparation

Peel the papaya and discard seeds. Shred using a vegetable grater or a cheese grater with bigger holes.
Put the shredded papaya in a bowl, sprinkle with the teaspoon of salt and toss. Let sit for 30 minutes to an hour, then squeeze by the handfuls, discarding the juice.
In a sauce pan - mix together the pickling solution and bring to boil stirring until sugar and salt are completely dissolved.
Remove from heat and set aside to cool.
Put everything in a bowl and pour the cooled pickling solution on top and mix well.
Refrigerate, covered or transfer into jars and let cure for a day or so before serving.
Enjoy!
*Prep time includes soaking and sitting the papaya with the salt.