Hot ‘n Sweet Raw Papaya Pickle

Ingredients:

Raw Papaya – 1 medium sized (approx. 4 cups of slices)
Granulated Sugar – 3/4 cup
Nigella Seeds/Kalonji – 1 tsp
Turmeric Powder – 1/4 tsp
Red Chilli Powder – 1 tsp
Lemon Extract – 1 tbsp
Salt – 1 1/2 tsps
Vegetable Oil – 1 tsp

Method:

1. Wash and then pat dry the papaya.
2. Cut into half, horizontally.
   
3. Remove all the seeds and also the thin layer that holds the seeds.
4. Cut each half into 4 vertical peices
5. Make thin slices of papaya.
   
6. Heat a pan. Add oil.
7. When the oil is heated, add nigella seeds.
8. When the nigella seeds start crackling, add papaya slices. Saute for 2-3 minutes.
   
9. Add 3 cups of water and cook covered until soft. The papaya slices must be soft but not mushy and still hold the shape of slices.
10. Add turmeric powder and salt. Mix well.
11. Continue to cook until all the water is absorbed.
12. Add sugar.Mix well.
13. Cook until there is no liquid content in pan.
14. Add red chilli powder. Mix well.
15. Turn off the heat, add lemon extarct. Mix well.
16. Serve hot or chilled with rotis, dosa etc.,
17. Once cooled to room temperature, this pickle can be preserved in air tight container. But keep refrigerated.