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Instant Pot Raw Papaya Soup - A tropical vacation for your gut!

Raw Papaya Soup Recipe

My digestive system has been staging a rebellion lately. It's like a tiny, grumpy gremlin in there, refusing to cooperate. So, I decided to try something... different.  This recipe uses steamed raw papaya for a quick and easy soup. Steaming the papaya softens it, making it easier to blend and potentially more digestible for some.

Read on to see the many benefits of Raw Papaya!

Yields: 2 servings Prep time: 15 minutes (plus steaming time)

Ingredients:

  • 1 medium raw papaya, peeled, seeded, and cubed
  • 1 tbsp coriander seeds
  • 1 green chili (optional)
  • 1 tsp dry ginger powder
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper powder
  • 1/2 cup coconut milk (adjust to taste and desired consistency)
  • Salt to taste
  • Water (if needed, to adjust consistency)
  • Optional garnishes: Toasted coconut flakes, chopped cilantro, a squeeze of lime juice, pumpkin seeds, watermelon seeds

Instructions:

  1. Steam the Papaya: Steam the cubed raw papaya in an Instant Pot for 10 minutes. Allow a natural pressure release for 5 minutes, then manually release any remaining pressure. Alternatively, you can steam the papaya using other methods until it is soft. Let the papaya cool slightly.

  2. Roast the Spices: While the papaya is steaming, dry roast the coriander seeds in a small pan over medium heat until fragrant (about 1-2 minutes). Be careful not to burn them. Turn off the heat.

  3. Combine Spices: To the pan with the roasted coriander seeds, add the green chili (if using), dry ginger powder, and black pepper powder. The residual heat from the pan will be enough to release the aromas.

  4. Blend the Soup: Once the papaya is cool enough to handle, transfer it to a blender. Add the roasted spice mixture to the blender as well. Blend until smooth. If the soup is too thick, add a little water or vegetable broth to reach your desired consistency.

  5. Season and Finish: Season the soup with salt to taste. If you are serving the soup immediately, add the coconut milk and blend briefly to combine. If you are preparing the soup ahead of time, you can add the coconut milk just before serving.

  6. Serve: Heat the soup gently if desired (avoid boiling after adding coconut milk). Garnish with toasted coconut flakes, chopped cilantro, or a squeeze of lime juice, if desired. Serve warm.

Benefits of Raw Papaya Soup:

Raw papaya is a nutritional powerhouse and offers several potential health benefits:   

  • Digestive Enzymes: Raw papaya contains papain, an enzyme that aids in digestion by breaking down proteins. This can be particularly helpful for people with digestive issues.   
  • Rich in Nutrients: Raw papaya is a good source of vitamins A, C, and E, as well as folate and potassium.   
  • High in Fiber: The high fiber content in raw papaya can promote healthy digestion and regularity.   
  • Antioxidants: Raw papaya contains antioxidants that can help protect the body against cell damage.   
  • May Aid in Weight Management: The low calorie and high fiber content of raw papaya can be beneficial for weight management.   
  • Potential Anti-inflammatory Properties: Some studies suggest that raw papaya may have anti-inflammatory properties.   

Important Note: While raw papaya offers many potential health benefits, it's important to note that it may not be suitable for everyone. Pregnant women are often advised to avoid consuming large amounts of raw papaya as it may induce early labor. If you have any health concerns, it's always best to consult with your doctor before incorporating raw papaya into your diet regularly.

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