Atchara
Atchara is a Filipino cuisine cooked from pickled papaya. This dish is often cooked on fried or grilled foods such as pork barbecue. The primary ingredient is shredded green unripe papaya. Carrot slices, julienned ginger, bell pepper, onion and garlic make up the other vegetable ingredients. They are then mixed in a solution of vinegar, sugar and salt preserves.
The mixture is placed in airtight jars where it will keep even without refrigeration. However, once opened, atchara is preferably stored in refrigeration to maintain its flavor.
There are two main types of atchara dressings 1) vinegrettes, which are based on oil and/or an acidic liquid such as vinegar or fruit juice. 2) creamy dressings, which are based on mayonnaise, milk, sour or sweet cream, buttermilk, or yoghurt
A good dressing enhanes the freshness and natural taste of all the ingredients. In most cases, atchara is dressed and tossed just a few minutes before serving. However atchara use the dressing as a marinade to “cook” the ingredients, thus transforming their flavor and texture.
You can find authentic Filipino Atchara on many Filipino Restaurants in Los Angeles.
