I am on a mission to explore just how many ways there are to enjoy Papaya, a fruit which takes me back many years to my childhood. In Nigeria, Papaya is fondly called Pawpaw and is widely enjoyed as a snack. But Pawpaw is a lot more versatile and can be eaten in so many ways, and I am enjoying discovering these different ways.

Whether you live in the tropics where there is an abundance of Papaya fruit, or you are only able to buy Papaya at your local supermarket (thanks to globalisation!), then you need to stay tuned to see what I get up to with my stash of Papaya which is now in season at my local Coop Supermarket, who by the way, stock FairTrade Papayas from Brazil. Last week, I featured a breakfast recipe incorporating Papaya and Fonio, which is an absolute must-try for a lazy Sunday morning. And, guess what? I’ve got a few more Papaya recipes coming up on the blog soon too – You don’t want to miss these, I promise!

Now, if you are in the market for a light and easy recipe featuring Papaya, then these Spicy Roasted Papaya and Fonio boats are just what you need. Spicy, zingy, aromatic, fresh! Roasting Papaya is just so divine, as roasting allows the natural sugars in the fruit to deepen and intensify and you are rewarded with a delectable flavour that I can only describe as a cross between a cantaloupe melon and butternut squash.This recipe also could not really be easier:

  • Prep the veg, egg and fonio
  • Stuff the papaya
  • Pop it in the oven
  • Grab a glass of wine (non-negotiable)

 

Spicy Roasted Papaya and Fonio Boats
Spicy Roasted Papaya and Fonio Boats
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Servings Prep Time
2 person 10 minutes
Cook Time
45 minutes
Servings Prep Time
2 person 10 minutes
Cook Time
45 minutes
Spicy Roasted Papaya and Fonio Boats
Spicy Roasted Papaya and Fonio Boats
Print Recipe
Add to Meal Plan:
This recipe has been added to your Meal Plan
Servings Prep Time
2 person 10 minutes
Cook Time
45 minutes
Servings Prep Time
2 person 10 minutes
Cook Time
45 minutes
Ingredients
Units:
Instructions
  1. Prepare the fonio by transferring it to a pan on medium heat and add 80ml of water. Cover the pan and allow the fonio to absorb all the water. This should take approx. 4-5 minutes. Taste the fonio for done-ness. When done, it should be soft and not chewy or hard. Cover and set aside.
  2. Add 1 teaspoon of coconut oil to a frying pan and when hot, fry the onions, garlic, ginger and peppers for 1 - 2 minutes, then add the egg and cooked fonio. Season with salt and pepper and fry for about 4 - 5 minutes.
  3. Stuff the de-seeded Papaya (Paw-paw) with the egg and fonio mixture. Drizzle the honey over the Papaya.
  4. Add 200ml of water to an oven-safe dish and place the stuffed papaya boats in the dish. The water will prevent the Papaya skins from burning.
  5. Roast at 180 degrees (fan-assisted) for 30 minutes. Sprinkle cheese over the stuffed papaya boats and return to the oven for another 5 minutes.
  6. Drizzle the balsamic vinegar and sprinkle some chopped parsley over the boats to serve.

 

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Nutrition Facts
Spicy Roasted Papaya and Fonio Boats
Amount Per Serving
Calories 264 Calories from Fat 72
% Daily Value*
Total Fat 8g 12%
Saturated Fat 4g 20%
Polyunsaturated Fat 1g
Monounsaturated Fat 2g
Cholesterol 140mg 47%
Sodium 244mg 10%
Potassium 762mg 22%
Total Carbohydrates 47g 16%
Dietary Fiber 6g 24%
Sugars 24g
Protein 8g 16%
Vitamin A 54%
Vitamin C 282%
Calcium 12%
Iron 7%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.