Papaya irichi(パパイヤイリチー) is a simple sauteed papaya dish from the Ryukyu islands. Unripe, green papaya is cooked with carrot, stirred, and seasoned.

In Ryukyu cuisine, papaya is often used while still green and unripe. Unripe papaya has a crisp texture and high water content.

While not native, asian chives[ニラ nira] are a common garnish for papaya irichi. Toasted sesame seeds could also be used for garnish.

Recipe

2 servings

Ingredients

• 1 unripe papaya, peeled and seeded and shredded
• 1 carrot, peeled and shredded (optional)
• ½ tsp salt
• 1 tsp unrefined brown sugar[黑糖] (optional)
• 1 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 cup water or dashi
• 1 asian chive[ニラ], chopped (optional)

Method

• saute papaya, carrot until softened
• add salt, sugar, soy sauce, water
• stir until mixed well
• garnish with asian chive
• serve