An apple a day keeps the doctor away. Or, is it papaya? This amber-coloured, juicy fruit is a go-to food if you want to balance your diet with antioxidants, minerals and vitamins. Papaya is a storehouse of vitamins A, C and E. It benefits the health of your eyes, heart and skin. Since it has many nutrients that prevent the oxidation of cholesterol in our blood, it's also a good way to reduce the risks of heart diseases. But, a plate of papaya cubes may become boring over time. So, we've got some ways to spice up the game for you with these 7 healthy recipes that use the fruit.
(Also read : Try This Almond-Raw Papaya Kebab With Pineapple Salsa For A Healthy Snack )
From salads to smoothies, here's the list for you:
1. Singzu (Manipuri Raw Papaya Salad)
This one is for fish lovers. Prepare it with sun-dried fish and shredded raw papaya. Add a paste of roasted sesame seeds. Sprinkle some salt and serve.
2. Grilled Peach And Papaya Salad With Amaranth Granola
For the granola, mix amaranth, puffed rice flakes, flaxseeds and sesame seeds with honey. Bake and keep aside. Make a puree with papaya and vinegar for the dressing. Break the granola over the dressing and garnish with diced papaya and peaches.
(Also read : Quick Tea-Time Snack: Turn Raw Papaya Into Decadent Kebabs And Pair Them With Aloo Bukhara Chutney )
3. Som Tam
This Thai salad uses raw papaya, fish sauce, tomato and peanuts. For some zing, add lemon juice, and then mix everything together.
The Hawaiian salad is different, as it uses pineapple and coconut along with papaya. Throw in dollops of yoghurt, and add papaya seeds to elevate the health factor.
These baked cubes can be made with raw papaya, atta, grated coconut, jaggery, cashew nuts and raisins. Add cardamom powder to flavour this healthy snack.
6. Papaya Lassi
Bored of the usual lassi? Make one with papaya, yoghurt, honey and pumpkin seeds. Add ice cubes to have it chilled. It's the perfect combination of taste and wellness.
This glass is supercharged with vitamin C. To the papaya and banana slices, add crushed walnuts and chopped figs. Blend with yoghurt. Your perfect health drink is ready.
Let us know which of these healthy picks you are going to choose and try out in your kitchen.