Plastic Chutney (Raw Papaya Chutney or Bengali Peper Chutney)

The delightful Bengali plastic chutney is made by cooking raw papaya along with sugar and lemon juice. This combination gives the raw papaya a texture reminiscent of melted plastic, thus earning it its unique name.

Jump to:

• Debjani's Note
• Plastic Chutney! Why this name?
• Tips
• Variation
• Interesting Fact!
• Here's how I cook Plastic Chutney at Debjanir Rannaghar!
• Recipe Card
• Chutney/ Achar/ Jam/ Jelly/ Condiment Recipes from Debjanir Rannaghar
• Have you tried the Peper plastic Chutney Recipe from Debjanir Rannaghar!
• Peper Plastic Chutney Pin for your Pinterest Board

Debjani's Note

A few days ago, some friends visited us from Delhi, and I decided to prepare a simple Bengali meal for them. I made a spread consisting of Bhangachora Shukto, Ghee Bhat, Kochi Pathar Jhol, Doodh Mach, Plastic Chutney, and Payesh. They enjoyed everything, but were particularly intrigued by the peculiar Bengali Plastic Chutney. One of them asked for the recipe, but I wasn't satisfied with the photos I took at the time, so I decided to share them later. Those photos didn't capture the plastic-like quality well enough.

I actually prepare Plastic Chutney quite often. In fact, it was included in our vegetarian Kojagori Lokkhi pujo spread as well. The spread consisted of Bhoger Khichuri, Phulkopir Roast, Begun Basanti, and Peper Chutney. Luckily, this time I was able to capture the chutney with the desired plastic effect.

Plastic Chutney! Why this name?

Before you start thinking that we eat actual plastic, let me explain what Plastic Peper Chutney really is. If you're Bengali (or not) or have tried it before, you already know what a fantastic condiment it is. Bengali Plastic Chutney is simply raw Papaya Chutney that resembles melted plastic.

Tips

When unripe papaya is combined with sugar and lemon juice and cooked, it becomes see-through. The unique texture of this chutney is what gives it its nickname of "plastic chutney". When you see a bowl full of it, it really does look like a pile of shiny, clear plastic. But don't be fooled by its appearance, because the taste is truly delicious.

Variation

You can also create this chutney using unripe mango or pineapple. Nevertheless, I personally favor it with papaya! The authentic papaya chutney is my preferred choice.

Whether you prefer papaya, mango, pineapple, or pepe, one thing is for sure: this chutney is a must-try for anyone who loves bold and unique flavors. So next time you're in the mood for something different, whip up a batch of transparent plastic chutney and see what all the fuss is about!

Interesting Fact!

Bengali ingenuity knows no bounds, as evidenced by their clever naming of this chutney. The translucent appearance, resembling plastic pieces, is achieved by cooking raw papaya with sugar and lemon juice. This unique dish can also be made with raw mango or pineapple, but my personal preference lies with the pepe-r chutney. Interestingly, Plastic Chutney is a relatively new addition to Bengali cuisine, emerging sometime after the 1900s when plastic was introduced in India. Although it shares the visual resemblance, the peper chutney has no connection to actual plastic.

According to a reputable caterer, Pineapple Chutney (also referred to as Anarosher Chutney) is either unattainable or comes with a hefty price tag. However, there exists an alternative option.

Here's how I cook Plastic Chutney at Debjanir Rannaghar!

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Recipe Card

Have you tried the Peper plastic Chutney Recipe from Debjanir Rannaghar!

Do let me know how it came out. Also, I would love to see a picture of the same which you can share here at dolonchttrj@gmail.com. Meanwhile, on Instagram, you can use my hashtag #debjanirrannaghar and in addition, you can tag me at @foodofdebjani.

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Peper Plastic Chutney Pin for your Pinterest Board