Papaya Flowers

These are actually the buds of the papaya plant. If prepared incorrectly they can be bitter and horrible, if prepared correctly they retain just a slight hint of that bitterness that tricks your mouth into thinking it’s extra savoury and delicious. A great replacement for rice if you’re trying to increase your veg intake or lower your carbs for whatever reason.

Adapted from here.

Ingredients

• 250 g papaya flower
• 250 g water spinach
• 1 lemongrass
• 5 cm ginger
• 2 kaffir lime leaves
• 2 shallots
• 2 cloves garlic
• 5-10 red birdseye chilli
• 1 tsp salt

Cooking

Boil the papaya flowers first until they change color (about 20 minutes)

Drain and squeeze until dry

Blend shallots, garlic, chilli, and salt with a little oil

Smash the lemongrass and ginger, saute with the lime leaves

Add the blended stuff

When chilli becomes fragrant, add the papaya flowers

Saute until spices all mixed in, then add the spinach until wilted