Papaya Syrup

• HEALTHY
• MAKE-AHEAD
• VEGETARIAN

Ingredients

1. 1 large ripe papaya—peeled, seeded and cut into 1/2 -inch dice
2. 3/4 cup unsweetened pineapple juice
3. 3/4 cup water
4. 1/3 cup sugar
5. 3 tablespoons fresh lime juice
6. 2 dried red chiles
7. 6 black peppercorns
8. 2 allspice berries
9. 3 inches of cinnamon stick
10. 1/4 teaspoon fennel seeds
11. 1/4 teaspoon coriander seeds
12. 1 teaspoon cornstarch dissolved in 2 tablespoons water

1. In a medium saucepan, combine the papaya, pineapple juice, water, sugar, lime juice, chiles, peppercorns, allspice, cinnamon stick, fennel and coriander; bring to a boil. Reduce the heat to moderately low and cook, stirring occasionally, until the papaya just begins to fall apart, about 20 minutes.
2. Strain the syrup through a fine sieve, pressing on the papaya to puree it. Return the puree to the saucepan and add the cornstarch mixture. Bring to a boil, then cook over moderate heat until thick, about 5 minutes.