How to cook Thai Green Papaya Salad

Certainly! Thai Green Papaya Salad, also known as Som Tum, is a delicious and popular dish. Here’s how you can make it.

Thai Green Papaya Salad in the photo.

Ingredients:

• For the salad:
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  • 2 cups shredded green papaya (about 1 small papaya)
  • 1 cup shredded carrots
  • 1/2 cup green beans, cut into 1-inch pieces
  • 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 2-3 Thai bird chilies (or to taste)
  • 2-3 cloves garlic
  • 1-2 tablespoons roasted peanuts (optional)
  • Fresh cilantro or Thai basil for garnish (optional)
• For the dressing:
  • 2 tablespoons fish sauce (or soy sauce for a vegetarian version)
  • 1 tablespoon lime juice (freshly squeezed)
  • 1 tablespoon palm sugar (or brown sugar)
  • Optional: 1 tablespoon tamarind paste for additional flavor

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Papaya:
   • Peel the green papaya and cut it in half. Remove the seeds, then use a grater or a julienne peeler to shred the papaya into thin strips. Set aside.
   • Shred the carrots in the same way and add them to the papaya.
2. Make the Dressing:
   • In a mortar and pestle, combine the garlic and bird chilies. Pound until a paste forms. (You can also use a small food processor if you don't have a mortar and pestle.)
   • Add the fish sauce, lime juice, and palm sugar to the mixture. Continue to pound until the sugar dissolves and everything is well combined.
3. Combine Ingredients:
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   • In a large mixing bowl, add the shredded papaya and carrots, green beans, and cherry tomatoes. Pour the dressing over the salad.
   • Use your hands (or a spoon) to toss everything together gently to combine.
4. Add Peanuts:
   • If using, crush the roasted peanuts and sprinkle them over the salad before serving for an extra crunch and flavor.
5. Serve:
   • Garnish with fresh cilantro or Thai basil if desired. Serve immediately as a refreshing side dish or light meal.

Tips:

• Adjust the spice level according to your preference by adding more or fewer chilies.
• The salad is best eaten fresh but can also be refrigerated for a short time before serving.
• You can customize your salad by adding other ingredients like dried shrimp or palm hearts.