_{Eggs and Raw Papaya Curry}

This is a yummy spicy hot curry. I can probably say it is kind of a South Indian style because I have used the South Indian spice mix – Sambhar Masala Powder – which makes it unique. So give your hands on and try this new entry.

Importance - Besides the regular nutrients imparted by the ingredients used in the recipe, I am going to highlight some special importance of Raw Papaya. This veggie used in the following recipe as an ingredient, bears certain health benefits which some of you might find it interesting.

Different types of enzymes are present in papaya. Papain, a substance present in papaya is an excellent aid to digestion. It is an enzyme, which helps to digest the protein in food. Papaya has the property of tenderizing meat. This knowledge is been put to use by cooking meat with raw papaya to make it tender and digestible. The unripe fruit is a rich source of papain, which is vegetable pepsin and is capable of digesting protein in acid, alkaline or neutral medium.

Papain also exhibits pain relieving properties and the US food and drug administration (FDA) has approved its medicinal use to ease the discomfort of slipped discs (prolapsed inter vertebral disc). This is used for injection into herniated inter vertebral lumbar discs to relieve pain caused by pressure on nerves.

The celiac disease patients, who cannot digest the wheat protein gliandin, can tolerate it, if it is treated with crude papain. Papaya can be prescribed for dyspeptic patients as the papain may help in the digestion of proteins. It is an ideal food for invalids because the flesh is easy to chew and swallow.

Serves: 4

Preparation Time: 20 min

Cooking Time: 30 min

Ingredients: All cup measurements refer to an 8oz cup (1 cup = 8oz)

v 4 boiled eggs.

v 2 cups, peeled and chopped raw papaya cubes (discard seeds).

v 2 cups peeled & chopped potato cubes

v 4 green chilies, slit lengthwise

v 1 tbsp, ginger grated.

v 1 tbsp, garlic grated

v 1 tbsp, red onion grated.

v 1 tbsp, sambhar masala powder (this is a dry spice mix and is available in Indian grocery store) or any Indian curry powder.

v 1 tsp, red chili powder

v ½ tsp, turmeric powder

v 1 tsp, white sugar

v Salt, as per taste

v 1 tsp, cumin seeds

v 1 tbsp, cinnamon, cloves and cardamom (4 one inch

cinnamon sticks, 4 green cardamoms, 5 cloves).

v 3 tbsp, olive oil for cooking

v 4 cups, hot water

Preparation:

v Heat oil in a skillet. Lightly fry the boiled eggs and

keep it aside.

v In the same oil toss in cumin seeds, cinnamon, cloves

and cardamom. Fry till brown.

v Sprinkle sugar in oil and fry for 3 sec.

v Slide in the chopped papayas and potatoes. Mix,

and fry for 3 min.

v Add the onion, ginger & garlic pastes. Mix and fry

further for 3 min and till aroma emanates.

v Now sprinkle sambhar masala, red chili powder, turmeric,

and salt.

v Mix the entire well and stir on medium heat for 4 min.

v Pour in hot water. Cover and allow cooking.

v When the veggies are half boiled, slide in the fried

boiled eggs.

v Continue cooking till all are boiled and the gravy turns

a little thick.

v When done, transfer to a serving dish.

v Serve the papaya egg curry with plain rice or tortillas

or Indian breads.