Bethica's Kitchen Flavours: Kacha Pepe

Thursday, 30 July 2026

Green Papaya Bharta (Kacha Peper Bhorta- Bong Style)

Green Papaya Bharta / Kacha Peper Bhorta is a very simple and a fuss-free Bong recipe. It is typically boiled and mashed Green Papaya mixed with few seasonings which is then enjoyed with hot steamed rice. It is a great comfort food for me when time is a constraint. This quick and simple dish is so satisfying and heavenly.

Having the boiled and mashed green papaya with just a tsp. of ghee or mustard oil is another great option and also tastes yummy. However, in this recipe, I added a tempering of nigella seeds, dry red chilies and onion in mustard oil. A handful of chopped coriander leaves is then added to the end product to make it more flavorsome. So check out the step by step pictorial recipe to prepare this regional cuisine.

1 medium size green papaya, peeled & roughly chopped
1-2 tbsp. mustard oil
2-3 whole dry chilies
1 tsp. nigella seeds (kalonji)
1 onion, sliced
1 tsp. salt or to taste
1 pinch of turmeric powder (opt)
2-3 tbsp. coriander leaves, chopped

Pressure cook the papaya for 3-4 whistles. Mash or grate it and keep aside.

Heat oil in a pan and temper with nigella seeds and red chilies. Sauté for a few seconds.

Add the onion, turmeric powder and salt. Fry till light brown.

Add the boiled & mashed papaya and mix well.

Add coriander leaves and mix well.

Serve with hot steamed rice for a comforting meal.