Are you looking for a delicious and versatile fruit to add some excitement to your meals and snacks? Look no further than the paw paw! Native to tropical regions, this sweet and creamy fruit is perfect for making a wide range of dishes, from smoothies and salads to baked goods and savory meals. Whether you’re in the mood for something sweet or savory, we’ve got you covered with our collection of 18 delicious paw paw recipes.
From classic combinations like paw paw and banana bread to more unique pairings like paw paw and mango salad, there’s something on this list for everyone. And the best part? Paw paws are incredibly nutritious, packed with vitamins A and C, potassium, and fiber. So go ahead and get creative in the kitchen – your taste buds (and body) will thank you!
Paw Paw Smoothie Bowl with Granola
Start your day off right with this refreshing and nutritious smoothie bowl, packed with the sweetness of paw paws (also known as papayas) and crunchy granola.
Ingredients:
– 1 ripe paw paw, diced
– 1/2 cup frozen yogurt
– 1/2 cup unsweetened almond milk
– 1 tablespoon honey
– 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
– Pinch of salt
– 1/4 cup store-bought or homemade granola
– Fresh fruit slices (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a blender, combine paw paw, frozen yogurt, almond milk, honey, vanilla extract, and salt.
2. Blend until smooth and creamy, stopping to scrape down the sides as needed.
3. Pour into a bowl and top with granola and your choice of fresh fruit slices.
Cooking Time: 5 minutes (blending time)
Grilled Paw Paw with Honey and Lime
Paw paws, also known as papayas, add a burst of tropical flavor to this simple yet impressive dessert. With the sweetness of honey and the tanginess of lime, this grilled paw paw is perfect for warm weather gatherings.
Ingredients:
– 2 ripe paw paws
– 1/4 cup honey
– Juice of 1 lime (about 2 tablespoons)
– Salt (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
2. Cut the paw paws in half lengthwise and remove seeds.
3. Brush both sides with honey, making sure they’re evenly coated.
4. Place paw paws on the grill and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, or until caramelized and slightly charred.
5. Remove from heat and squeeze lime juice over each half.
6. Sprinkle with salt if desired (optional).
7. Serve warm or at room temperature.
Cooking Time: 8-12 minutes
Paw Paw and Coconut Chia Pudding
This refreshing dessert combines the sweetness of paw paws with the creaminess of coconut milk, all wrapped up in a nutritious chia pudding. A perfect treat for warm weather!
Ingredients:
– 1 ripe paw paw, diced
– 1/2 cup chia seeds
– 1 cup coconut milk
– 2 tablespoons honey
– 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
– Pinch of salt
Instructions:
1. In a small bowl, mix together chia seeds and coconut milk. Let it sit for 5 minutes to allow the chia seeds to absorb the liquid.
2. Add diced paw paw, honey, vanilla extract, and salt to the chia mixture. Stir well until combined.
3. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight.
4. Give the pudding a good stir before serving. You can garnish it with additional sliced paw paws or toasted coconut flakes, if desired.
Cooking Time: None required! Let the chia pudding sit in the fridge to set.
Spicy Paw Paw Salsa
This recipe combines sweet paw paws with spicy peppers and tangy lime juice to create a unique and addictive salsa perfect for topping tacos, grilled meats, or chips.
Ingredients:
– 2 ripe paw paws, peeled and diced
– 1 cup diced red onion
– 1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro
– 1 jalapeño pepper, seeded and finely chopped
– 1 lime, juiced
– 1 tablespoon honey
– Salt to taste
Instructions:
1. In a medium bowl, combine paw paws, red onion, cilantro, and jalapeño.
2. Squeeze lime juice over the mixture and toss to coat.
3. Add honey and stir until well combined.
4. Season with salt to taste.
5. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
6. Serve chilled or at room temperature.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes (prep time) + refrigeration time
Paw Paw and Banana Bread
This moist and flavorful bread combines the natural sweetness of paw paws (also known as papayas) with ripe bananas, creating a deliciously unique dessert or snack. Perfect for a quick indulgence or as a thoughtful gift for friends and family.
Ingredients:
– 2 ripe bananas, mashed
– 1 cup paw paw puree
– 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 tsp baking powder
– 1/4 tsp salt
– 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 2 large eggs
– 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan.
2. In a large bowl, combine mashed bananas, paw paw puree, flour, baking powder, and salt. Mix until just combined.
3. Add melted butter, sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract. Mix until smooth.
4. Pour batter into prepared loaf pan and bake for 55-60 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
5. Let cool on wire rack before slicing.
Cooking Time: 55-60 minutes
Paw Paw Ice Cream with Caramel Swirl
Experience the sweet and tangy delight of paw paw ice cream, elevated by a rich caramel swirl. This unique flavor combination is sure to impress your friends and family.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups heavy cream
– 1 cup whole milk
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup paw paw puree (or 2 ripe paw paws, pureed)
– 1 tsp vanilla extract
– 1/4 cup caramel sauce (homemade or store-bought)
Instructions:
1. In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together heavy cream, whole milk, and granulated sugar until the sugar is fully dissolved.
2. Add the paw paw puree and vanilla extract to the mixture. Whisk until well combined.
3. Pour the mixture into an ice cream maker and churn according to manufacturer’s instructions.
4. While the ice cream is churning, prepare the caramel swirl by heating the caramel sauce in a small saucepan over low heat.
5. Once the ice cream is almost fully churned, drizzle the warm caramel sauce through the mixture using a spatula or spoon.
6. Continue to churn until the caramel is evenly distributed and the ice cream is fully set.
Cooking Time: 2-3 hours (depending on your ice cream maker)
Paw Paw and Mango Salad
Paw Paw and Mango Salad Recipe
This refreshing salad combines the sweet flavors of paw paw and mango with a hint of tanginess from lime juice and a crunch from chopped pecans.
Ingredients:
– 2 ripe mangos, diced
– 1 ripe paw paw fruit, diced
– 1/4 cup chopped pecans
– Juice of 1 lime (about 2 tbsp)
– Salt to taste
Instructions:
1. In a medium-sized bowl, combine the diced mango and paw paw.
2. Sprinkle the chopped pecans over the top of the fruit mixture.
3. Squeeze the lime juice over the salad and sprinkle with salt to taste.
4. Toss gently to combine.
Cooking Time: 10 minutes
Note: Paw paws are a type of tropical fruit also known as custard apples or papayas. If unavailable, substitute with sliced pineapple or peaches. Enjoy!
Paw Paw Pancakes with Maple Syrup
Start your day off right with these fluffy and flavorful pancakes, infused with the sweetness of paw paws (also known as papayas) and topped with a drizzle of pure maple syrup.
Ingredients:
– 1 ripe paw paw, diced
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 2 tablespoons sugar
– 2 teaspoons baking powder
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1 cup milk
– 1 large egg
– Butter or oil for greasing the pan
– Maple syrup for serving
Instructions:
1. In a bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
2. Add diced paw paw, milk, and egg to the dry ingredients. Whisk until smooth.
3. Heat a non-stick skillet or griddle over medium heat. Grease with butter or oil if necessary.
4. Drop batter by 1/4 cupfuls onto the skillet. Cook for 2-3 minutes, until bubbles appear on surface and edges start to dry.
5. Flip pancakes and cook for another 1-2 minutes, until golden brown.
6. Serve warm with a drizzle of maple syrup.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes (depending on the number of pancakes)
Paw Paw and Yogurt Parfait
This sweet and tangy parfait is a perfect treat for any time of day. Layers of creamy yogurt, crunchy paw paws, and a hint of sweetness make for a delightful dessert.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup plain yogurt
– 2 ripe paw paws (papaya), diced
– 1/4 cup granola or cereal
– 2 tablespoons honey
– Fresh mint leaves, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a small bowl, mix together the yogurt and honey until well combined.
2. Spoon half of the yogurt mixture into a glass or parfait dish.
3. Top with half of the diced paw paws.
4. Sprinkle with half of the granola or cereal.
5. Repeat the layers, starting with the yogurt, then the remaining paw paws, granola, and finally the remaining yogurt.
6. Garnish with chopped fresh mint leaves, if desired.
Cooking Time: 0 minutes (no cooking required!)
Serves: 1-2 people
Paw Paw Curry with Chickpeas
This recipe combines the creamy sweetness of paw paws (also known as papayas) with the nutty flavor of chickpeas, all wrapped up in a rich and aromatic curry sauce. Perfect for a quick and satisfying vegetarian meal.
Ingredients:
– 1 ripe paw paw, diced
– 1 can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
– 2 tablespoons curry powder
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 onion, chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon ground cumin
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh cilantro leaves for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Heat the olive oil in a large pan over medium heat.
2. Add the onion and cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes.
3. Add the garlic, curry powder, and cumin. Cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly.
4. Add the chickpeas and paw paw. Stir to combine.
5. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 10-15 minutes or until the flavors have melded together and the sauce has thickened slightly.
6. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Garnish with fresh cilantro leaves, if desired.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Paw Paw and Pineapple Sorbet
This sweet and tangy sorbet is a perfect way to beat the heat during summer. The combination of paw paws (also known as papayas) and pineapple creates a unique flavor profile that’s both familiar and exotic.
Ingredients:
– 2 ripe paw paws, peeled and chopped
– 1 cup fresh pineapple chunks
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 1 cup water
– 1 tablespoon lemon juice
Instructions:
1. In a blender or food processor, puree the paw paws, pineapple, and sugar until smooth.
2. Strain the mixture through a fine-mesh sieve to remove any pulp or fibers.
3. Combine the strained mixture with the water and lemon juice in a medium saucepan.
4. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat, then reduce the heat and simmer for 5 minutes.
5. Remove from heat and let cool to room temperature.
6. Pour the mixture into an ice cream maker and churn according to manufacturer’s instructions.
7. Once frozen, scoop and serve immediately.
Cooking Time: 10-15 minutes (including chilling time)
Paw Paw Stuffed French Toast
Start your day with a sweet surprise by stuffing thick slices of French toast with creamy paw paw and crispy bacon.
Ingredients:
– 4 slices of bread ( Challah or Brioche work well)
– 1 ripe paw paw, diced
– 6 slices of bacon, cooked and crumbled
– 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter, softened
– 2 large eggs
– 1/4 cup of granulated sugar
– 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
– Confectioners’ sugar for dusting (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a shallow dish, whisk together eggs, sugar, and vanilla extract.
2. Heat a non-stick skillet or griddle over medium heat.
3. Dip each bread slice into the egg mixture, coating both sides evenly.
4. Place the coated bread slices on the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, or until golden brown.
5. While the French toast is cooking, mix diced paw paw with crumbled bacon.
6. Once the French toast is cooked, spread a spoonful of the paw paw-bacon mixture onto each slice.
7. Dust with confectioners’ sugar (if desired) and serve warm.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Paw Paw and Avocado Toast
A sweet and savory twist on classic avocado toast, this recipe combines the creamy richness of avocados with the unique flavor and texture of paw paws (also known as papayas).
Ingredients:
– 2 ripe avocados
– 1 ripe paw paw, diced
– 2 slices whole grain bread
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Optional: red pepper flakes for added heat
Instructions:
1. Toast the bread until lightly browned.
2. Mash the avocados in a bowl with a fork until mostly smooth.
3. Add the diced paw paw to the mashed avocado and stir gently to combine.
4. Spread the avocado-paw paw mixture evenly onto the toasted bread slices.
5. Season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using).
6. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes (mostly prep time)
Paw Paw BBQ Glazed Chicken
Sweet and tangy, this paw paw BBQ glaze elevates chicken breasts to a new level of flavor. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a weekend gathering.
Ingredients:
– 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 1 cup paw paw puree (or papaya puree as substitute)
– 1/2 cup ketchup
– 1/4 cup brown sugar
– 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
– 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
– 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
– Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a small bowl, whisk together paw paw puree, ketchup, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, and smoked paprika.
3. Place chicken breasts in a shallow baking dish and brush with the glaze.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until chicken is cooked through.
6. Serve hot and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Paw Paw and Coconut Rice Pudding
A creamy and exotic dessert that combines the sweetness of paw paws with the richness of coconut, this rice pudding is perfect for warm weather or as a unique dessert option.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup uncooked white rice
– 3 cups water
– 1/2 cup shredded coconut
– 1/4 cup honey
– 1/2 cup heavy cream
– 2 large paw paws, peeled and diced
– Pinch of salt
Instructions:
1. Rinse the rice in a fine mesh strainer and cook according to package instructions using 3 cups of water.
2. In a separate saucepan, combine shredded coconut, honey, and heavy cream. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens and the coconut is golden brown.
3. Add the cooked rice, diced paw paws, and salt to the coconut mixture. Stir well to combine.
4. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 10-15 minutes or until the pudding has thickened to desired consistency.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Paw Paw and Pecan Muffins
Start your day with a sweet and nutty treat that combines the natural sweetness of paw paws with the crunch of pecans. These moist muffins are perfect for breakfast or a snack on-the-go.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 2 teaspoons baking powder
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
– 1 large egg
– 1/2 cup paw paw puree
– 1/2 cup chopped pecans
– Optional: confectioners’ sugar for topping
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
3. In a large bowl, whisk together melted butter, egg, paw paw puree, and chopped pecans.
4. Add dry ingredients to wet ingredients and stir until just combined.
5. Divide batter evenly among muffin cups.
6. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
7. Let cool in tin for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Paw Paw and Ginger Smoothie
This refreshing smoothie combines the sweet flavor of paw paws with the spicy warmth of ginger, perfect for a quick pick-me-up on a hot day. With only a few ingredients, you can whip up this delicious treat in no time!
Ingredients:
– 1 ripe paw paw (about 1 cup), peeled and chopped
– 2 inches fresh ginger, peeled and grated
– 1/2 cup plain yogurt
– 1 tablespoon honey
– Ice cubes (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a blender, combine the paw paw, ginger, yogurt, and honey.
2. Blend until smooth and creamy, stopping to scrape down the sides of the blender as needed.
3. Add ice cubes if you prefer a thicker consistency.
4. Blend again until the ice is crushed and the smoothie is the desired thickness.
Cooking Time:
– Prep time: 5 minutes
– Total time: 10 minutes
Paw Paw and Shrimp Ceviche
This refreshing ceviche combines the sweetness of paw paws (also known as papayas) with the succulence of shrimp, all wrapped up in a zesty lime marinade.
Ingredients:
– 1 ripe paw paw, diced
– 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
– 1/2 cup freshly squeezed lime juice
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
– 1 jalapeño pepper, seeded and finely chopped
– Salt to taste
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, combine diced paw paw and shrimp.
2. Pour in the lime juice, making sure that all the ingredients are coated.
3. Stir in chopped cilantro and jalapeño pepper.
4. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
5. Just before serving, season with salt to taste.
6. Serve chilled, garnished with additional cilantro if desired.
Cooking Time: 30 minutes
Summary
Get ready to indulge in the sweet and tangy taste of paw paws! This article features 18 mouth-watering recipes that showcase the versatility of this tropical fruit. From classic combinations like smoothie bowls and breads to innovative twists like curry with chickpeas and BBQ glazed chicken, there’s something for every occasion. Whether you’re a fan of sweet treats or savory dishes, these paw paw recipes are sure to delight your taste buds. So go ahead, get creative, and discover the many faces of this delicious fruit!