Raw Papaya Chutney (Plastic Chaatni)

Raw Papaya Chaatni :

I had this the first time on my own wedding! As we have lived in Mumbai and very rarely visited Kolkata after my Grand dad expired, we hadn't heard of this "Plastic Chutney". In Bengal it was the ultimate.
All relatives who were present at my wedding were so surprised that we hadn't even heard of the name till then, it was put on the pre-wedding lunch menu at once. Every Bengali on this planet has tasted this dish in their lifetime, they said but we at the Sanyal family hadn't !!

Inquiring about the chutney in our makeshift wedding kitchen, back then, I had learnt from the "Thakur" (Cook) that it was green papaya chip chutney made with loads of sugar and a touch of lemon juice.
And after tasting this dish I was hooked..... though it's not meant for those who are constantly watching their weight.

My ma in law insists on  the long variety of papaya as she says its meaty on the inside......more than the round shaped raw papaya's. 
Peel the skin off and  cut the papaya into half lengthwise. Scrape off the hard skin in the center and
remove the seeds. Cut into fine chips. She shows you how.....

Steam cook the papaya chips but take care that they are just cooked and not too soft . Discard the water.

You will require 1 1/2 cup of papaya chips.
In a measuring cup take 1 cup sugar and 1 cup of water to make syrup in a pan. When the syrup is ready (Sugar has dissolved) add the papaya chips. When the syrup boils reduce the flame and leave to  cook. The papaya chips will turn transparent. 

Paper Plastic Chaatni

When you see that the papaya chips are transparent, dissolve 1 tsp of cornflour in a dash of water and add to the pan. 

When the gravy of the chutney thickens, add the juice of two lemon's (4 tbsp Pati Lebur rosh). 

When after the dish begins to boil add a pinch of salt. Give all a mix.
Turn off the flame.



Soak some raisins and cashew nuts in a bowl of water. Add these to the dish. Leave to cool.

When the dish cools , transfer to a serving bowl. Enjoy chilled.

Plastic Chaatni