CiberCuba Cocina / José Roberto Loo
The cold salad with green papaya | Photo © CiberCuba Cocina / José Roberto Loo

Cold salad with green papaya

Kitchen, Appetizer

Kitchen, Appetizer

Spices
Vegetables
Fruits
Pasta
Preparation Time:
30
Note:
In western Cuba, potatoes are a fairly common product in markets and in cooking, but in the eastern part of the island, the reality is quite different, turning this tuber into a true luxury. Classic Cuban dishes, such as meat with potatoes, become quite difficult to make. Alternatives such as sweet potato have often been used in some combinations. In the cuisine of other nations, such as India, it is common to use green papaya as a vegetable. This food, being frequent in the markets, began to be utilized in eastern Cuba. Traditionally, ripe papaya is eaten in smoothies or naturally, while green papaya was only used in sweet syrup, however, many families have recently started using it as a substitute for potatoes, combining it with meat, for example. When it is green, it can be boiled and used in various recipes. One is to combine it with other vegetables, or as a cold salad, dressed with homemade mayonnaise.
Ingredients:
  • Half of a medium-sized green papaya
  • 1 tablet of concentrated chicken broth
  • 1 clove of garlic
  • Half an onion
  • Half a bell pepper (preferably red)
  • 250 grams of any well-cooked soft pasta
  • 1 whole egg
  • 100 milliliters of oil
  • 1 teaspoon of sugar
  • Salt and vinegar to taste
Instructions:

    The green papaya is diced into small cubes and boiled together with concentrated chicken broth. It is cooked until it is soft but not falling apart, then removed from the heat and allowed to cool.

    Green cooked fruit bomb / CiberCuba Kitchen / J R Loo

    In the blender, place the boiled pasta, add the garlic clove, onion, and pepper, preferably chopped, add the whole egg, and mix. Gradually add the oil, which should be poured in a steady stream.

    Salad dressing / CiberCuba Cuisine / J R Loo

    When a homogeneous paste texture is achieved, add the salt, vinegar, and sugar, and adjust to taste.

    Boiled Frutabomba / CiberCuba Kitchen / J R Loo

    Once the dough is ready, it is mixed with the boiled papaya and decorated with whatever is available, and left to cool for a while in the refrigerator.

    Cold green papaya salad / CiberCuba Kitchen / J R Loo

    This is the basic recipe, but if possible, you can add boiled egg, some meat, or other vegetables, with the aim of obtaining a tasty cold salad. Enjoy your meal!

Rations:
4
Spices
Vegetables
Fruits
Pasta