Papaya is an exotic and tropical fruit and this sauce really makes me feel like a Florida native. I have to admit though that I rarely eat papaya raw the way I eat most other fruit. It just is not sweet enough and it really is not a juicy fruit. Papaya added to a smoothie is a tasty thickener not unlike a banana. The taste to of papaya to me is more like a musky, slightly sweet carrot. The ones we get here in Florida are mostly from central America and not from Hawaii. I hear the Hawaiian ones are very sweet. (Note to self : I will have to try those. ) The healthy benefits of the papaya fruit are frequently touted and I suspect at least some of them are true. If you want more information about this you can search the web or visit this site http://www.buzzle.com/articles/papaya-fruit.html
It's nice that papaya is healthy but I eat this sauce just for the great taste! I prefer this sauce on grilled, pan-fried or baked fish but it works just as well on chicken breasts. Another great thing about this recipe is that it has all the elements to impress diner guests. It's colorful, unique, very tasty and most of all easy!
1/2 cup unsalted butter
½ red onion cut to a small dice
1 large ripe papaya peeled seeded and cut to a small dice
1 prepared roasted red pepper cut to a small dice (jarred or homemade)
the juice of 1 lime
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (or cilantro)
Dash of hot pepper sauce (optional)
Salt and pepper to taste
Melt butter in large fry pan on low heat.
Add the onion, stir and cook for 2 minutes
Add the red pepper stir and cook 2 more minutes
Add the papaya stir and cook for 3 minutes
Add the red pepper cook on low heat for 15 – 20 minutes until the papaya starts to break down and the sauce looks creamy.
Stir in the parsley and juice, add hot sauce if using and salt and pepper.
Serve warm
yield 1- 1 ½ cups