Indulge your senses in the vibrant flavors of the Caribbean with our authentic Pica di Papaya recipe hailing from the stunning islands of the Dutch Caribbean. Bursting with tropical goodness, Pica di Papaya is a tantalizing dish that captures the essence of the region's culinary heritage. With its fusion of fresh papaya, zesty lime, fiery chili, and aromatic spices, this dish offers a delightful balance of sweet, sour, and spicy notes that will transport you to sun-drenched shores with every mouthful. Join us on a culinary journey to savor the essence of Caribbean cuisine with this irresistible Pica di Papaya recipe.

Ingredients:

• 1 ripe papaya, peeled, seeded, and diced
• 1 small red onion, thinly sliced
• 1 bell pepper (red, yellow, or green), thinly sliced
• 1-2 hot chili peppers (such as habanero or Scotch bonnet), seeded and finely chopped
• 2 tablespoons white vinegar
• 2 tablespoons lime juice
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon honey or brown sugar
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh cilantro leaves for garnish (optional)

Instructions:

1- Prepare the papaya by peeling, seeding, and dicing it into bite-sized pieces. Place the diced papaya in a large mixing bowl.

2- Thinly slice the red onion and bell pepper, and finely chop the hot chili peppers. Add them to the bowl with the diced papaya.

3- In a small bowl, whisk together the white vinegar, lime juice, olive oil, honey or brown sugar, salt, and pepper to make the dressing.

4- Pour the dressing over the papaya mixture in the large bowl. Gently toss everything together until well combined and evenly coated with the dressing.

5- Taste the Pica di Papaya and adjust the seasoning if necessary, adding more salt, pepper, or lime juice according to your preference.

6- Allow the salad to marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.

7- Before serving, give the Pica di Papaya a final toss and transfer it to a serving dish. Garnish with fresh cilantro leaves if desired.

8- Serve chilled as a refreshing appetizer or side dish, alongside grilled meats, seafood, or as part of a Caribbean-inspired meal.

Enjoy the vibrant flavors of the Caribbean Netherlands with this delicious and spicy Pica di Papaya salad!

Nutritional Values:

Here are the approximate nutritional values for the ingredients listed in the recipe:

Ripe papaya (per 1 cup diced):

• Calories: 60
• Carbohydrates: 15g
• Fiber: 3g
• Sugars: 11g
• Protein: 1g
• Fat: 0g

benefits:

• Rich in vitamin C, which supports the immune system and promotes healthy skin.
• Contains enzymes such as papain, which aids in digestion.
• High in antioxidants that help reduce inflammation and lower the risk of chronic diseases.

Small red onion (per 1 medium onion):

• Calories: 44
• Carbohydrates: 10g
• Fiber: 1g
• Sugars: 5g
• Protein: 1g
• Fat: 0g

benefits:

• Good source of antioxidants, particularly flavonoids and sulfur compounds, which may help reduce the risk of heart disease and certain cancers.
• Contains quercetin, which has anti-inflammatory properties.
• Provides fiber, which supports digestive health and helps maintain a healthy weight.

Bell pepper (per 1 medium pepper, any color):

• Calories: 25
• Carbohydrates: 6g
• Fiber: 2g
• Sugars: 4g
• Protein: 1g
• Fat: 0g

benefits:

• High in vitamin C, which boosts immunity and promotes collagen production for healthy skin.
• Rich in antioxidants like beta-carotene, which may reduce the risk of age-related macular degeneration.
• Contains vitamin B6 and folate, important for brain health and fetal development during pregnancy.

Hot chili peppers (per 1 pepper, such as habanero or Scotch bonnet):

• Calories: 18
• Carbohydrates: 4g
• Fiber: 2g
• Sugars: 2g
• Protein: 1g
• Fat: 0g

benefits:

• Contains capsaicin, which has been shown to boost metabolism and aid in weight loss.
• May help reduce inflammation and pain due to its analgesic properties.
• Rich in vitamins A and C, which support immune function and skin health.

White vinegar (per 2 tablespoons):

• Calories: 2
• Carbohydrates: 0g
• Fiber: 0g
• Sugars: 0g
• Protein: 0g
• Fat: 0g

benefits:

• May help lower blood sugar levels and improve insulin sensitivity when consumed with high-carbohydrate meals.
• Contains acetic acid, which may aid in weight loss by promoting feelings of fullness and reducing calorie intake.
• May have antibacterial properties and help inhibit the growth of harmful bacteria in food.

Lime juice (per 2 tablespoons):

• Calories: 8
• Carbohydrates: 3g
• Fiber: 0g
• Sugars: 0g
• Protein: 0g
• Fat: 0g

benefits:

• Excellent source of vitamin C, which supports immune function and collagen synthesis.
• Contains flavonoids, which have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
• May help improve digestion and promote healthy skin due to its acidity and vitamin content.

Olive oil (per 1 tablespoon):

• Calories: 119
• Fat: 14g
• Saturated fat: 2g
• Monounsaturated fat: 10g
• Polyunsaturated fat: 1.5g
• Vitamin E: 2mg

benefits:

• Rich in monounsaturated fats, which may help lower LDL cholesterol and reduce the risk of heart disease.
• Contains antioxidants like vitamin E and polyphenols, which protect cells from damage caused by free radicals.
• May help reduce inflammation and improve overall cardiovascular health.

Honey or brown sugar (per 1 teaspoon of honey or brown sugar):

• Calories: 16 (for honey) or 17 (for brown sugar)
• Carbohydrates: 4g
• Sugars: 4g

benefits:

• Provides quick energy due to its high carbohydrate content.
• Contains antioxidants and phenolic compounds that may have anti-inflammatory properties.
• Can add sweetness to dishes without causing large spikes in blood sugar levels when consumed in moderation.

Salt and pepper:

• Salt and pepper do not contribute significant calories, carbohydrates, fats, proteins, fiber, or sugars.

Nutritional values may vary slightly depending on the specific brands and varieties of ingredients used.