Omakka Curry Recipe – Kerala Style Papaya Curry
Omakka Curry is a delicious and flavorful dish that is a staple in many Kerala households. It’s a simple, mildly spicy papaya curry, perfect for a comforting lunch or dinner. This dish combines the goodness of raw papaya with the aromatic spices typical of Kerala cuisine, making it both tasty and nutritious. Best enjoyed with Kerala Matta Rice, this curry offers a blend of subtle heat and richness, while being incredibly easy to prepare.
Course: Lunch
Cuisine: Kerala
Diet: Vegetarian
Servings: 4-6
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Raw papaya | 1/2 medium-sized, peeled and cubed |
| Green chili | 1, adjust to taste |
| Fresh coconut | 1 cup, grated |
| Pearl onions (Sambar onions) | 3, thinly sliced |
| Curry leaves | 2 sprigs |
| Red chili powder | 2 teaspoons |
| Turmeric powder (Haldi) | 1 teaspoon |
| Cumin seeds (Jeera) | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Mustard seeds (Rai/Kadugu) | 1/4 teaspoon |
| Dry red chilies | 2 |
| Tamarind | Gooseberry-sized piece |
| Oil | As required |
| Salt | To taste |
Nutritional Information (per serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 120 kcal |
| Protein | 1.5g |
| Carbohydrates | 30g |
| Fat | 3g |
| Fiber | 5g |
| Sodium | 300mg |
Instructions
-
Prepare the Papaya:
- Peel the raw papaya and cut it into medium-sized cubes.
- In a bowl, mix the papaya cubes with red chili powder, turmeric powder, and salt. Add a little water to help coat the papaya evenly with the spices.
-
Cook the Papaya:
- Transfer the spiced papaya mixture into a pressure cooker and cook for one whistle. After the first whistle, reduce the heat to low and simmer for an additional 5 minutes.
- Turn off the heat and allow the pressure to release naturally.
-
Prepare the Tamarind Pulp:
- While the papaya is cooking, soak the tamarind in warm water for about 15 minutes.
- After soaking, extract the pulp and set it aside.
-
Make the Coconut Paste:
- In a blender or mixie jar, add the grated coconut, green chilies, one pearl onion, and cumin seeds.
- Add a little water and blend into a smooth paste.
-
Mash the Papaya:
- Once the cooker has cooled and the pressure has released, open the lid and mash the cooked papaya into a soft pulp using a spoon or masher.
- Add the coconut-green chili-onion paste to the mashed papaya and mix well.
-
Simmer the Curry:
- Switch the burner on again, cooking the papaya mixture on low heat. Add water to achieve your desired consistency for the curry, stirring occasionally.
- Once the mixture is warm, add the tamarind pulp and stir well.
- Let the curry simmer for another 3-4 minutes on low heat, then switch off the flame.
-
Prepare the Tempering:
- Heat oil in a small frying pan (tadka pan) over medium heat. Add mustard seeds and let them crackle.
- Add the sliced pearl onions to the pan and sauté until they turn golden brown.
- Toss in the dry red chilies and curry leaves, and sauté for 15 seconds.
-
Final Touch:
- Pour this tempering (tadka) over the cooked papaya curry and stir gently to combine.
-
Serve:
- Serve your Omakka Curry hot, paired with Kerala Matta Rice or steamed rice for a traditional Kerala meal.
- Alternatively, it also goes wonderfully with Phulka (flatbreads) and a side of beetroot raita for a more diverse meal.
Tips for the Perfect Omakka Curry:
- Papaya Selection: Make sure to use a raw, unripe papaya for this curry as it has a firmer texture and milder flavor compared to ripe papaya.
- Spice Adjustments: Adjust the amount of green chilies based on your spice tolerance. If you prefer a milder curry, you can reduce the green chilies and red chili powder.
- Consistency: If you like a thinner curry, add a bit more water when simmering the papaya mixture. For a thicker consistency, reduce the water or cook it longer to allow excess moisture to evaporate.
- Tamarind: The tamarind adds a subtle tanginess to the curry. If you prefer a more pronounced tangy flavor, you can adjust the amount of tamarind pulp.
This Omakka Curry is a beautiful example of Kerala’s love for simple yet flavorful meals. The combination of tender papaya, aromatic spices, and a touch of tang from tamarind makes it a dish you’ll want to make again and again. Enjoy this curry as part of a wholesome meal that brings the taste of Kerala into your home!
