Picadillo de papaya is a traditional dish originating from Costa Rica. The dish is usually made with a combination of green papaya, onions, celery, achiote, hot peppers, oil, salt, thyme, baking soda, and ground meat, either beef or pork. The papaya is peeled, cut into pieces, and placed in a mixture of baking soda and salted water.

It is then mashed or ground, boiled in water, drained, and added to a sauce consisting of oil, onions, hot peppers, celery, thyme, achiote, and ground meat. The dish is shortly simmered and it’s then ready to be enjoyed.