Vegetarian●●●Origin PunjabPrep 35–40 minutes, plus cooling and standing timeMakes 500g / 1lb 2oz
A fragrant, savoury Indian papaya pickle infused with whole seeds, ginger, and garlic in spiced oil. It balances the gentle texture of cooked papaya with earthy cumin, aniseed, and a kick of chilli.
Bring 1 litre of water to a boil in a large pan, drop in 1 peeled papaya, and simmer for roughly 10 minutes until tender. Drain thoroughly and spread the papaya out over a baking tray to dry completely.
Warm 456 g vegetable oil in a large pan set over medium heat. Add 18 g crushed garlic, 6 g sliced fresh ginger, and the tempering spices, then fry while stirring constantly for about 2 minutes. Take the pan off the heat and allow the spiced oil to cool completely.
Stir the chilli powder, the dried papaya, and salt to taste into the cooled oil. Cover the pan with a piece of muslin and let everything infuse overnight at room temperature.
Transfer the pickle into clean, sterilised glass jars and seal tightly.
Use 15% to 20% of the weight (about 1 g for every 5 to 6 g fresh cloves). Whisk into sauces; gives a savoury, toasted garlic flavour without raw pungency.
Steep a tiny pinch (0.1 g per 2 g turmeric) in 2 tbsp warm water; use to match the rich golden hue. Contributes an aristocratic, honeyed floral flavour rather than earthy bitterness.
Use 20% to 25% of the weight (1 g for every 4 to 5 g fresh). Stir into the gravy; adds peppery heat and warmth, though it misses the crisp, zesty kick of raw root.