Green papaya salad

Thai Green Papaya Salad, also known as Som Tam, is a refreshing and savory salad that can be found throughout Thailand, and has become popular all over the world. It is a medley of bright and bold flavors, with crunchy textures and a unique tangy dressing. Made using fresh and raw green papaya, it is a healthy and delicious dish that is perfect as an appetizer or a light meal.

The origins of this salad can be traced back to the Northeastern region of Thailand, where it is mainly consumed as a street food. It is believed that the farmers in the area created the dish as a way to use the green papayas that grew in abundance in their fields. The dish is also part of the larger Lao cuisine and is widely enjoyed in Laos.

The classic version of this dish includes shredded green papaya, carrots, tomatoes, green beans, peanuts, and dried shrimp, tossed together in a dressing of lime juice, fish sauce, palm sugar, and chili peppers. While the ingredients for the salad are easily available in most grocery stores, finding fresh green papaya might require a bit more of a search.

Green papayas are different from the ripe papaya that you might usually find in the fruit section of your local grocery store. The green papaya used for this recipe should be firm with smooth skin, and should not give way when squeezed. When sliced open, the flesh should be light green, almost white, and have seeds in the center. The papaya should be slightly underripe, as overripe papayas will not work well for this salad.

Once you have acquired the green papaya, the first step is to shred it into thin strips. There are a couple of ways to do this, either using a mandoline or a julienne peeler to slice the papaya into thin strips, or by using a sharp knife to cut it into matchstick-sized pieces. It is important to note that the papaya should be shredded just before assembling the salad to avoid the papaya from browning.

The salad is then assembled by combining the shredded green papaya with the other vegetables, tossing them together with the dressing, and garnishing with roasted peanuts and dried shrimp. The dressing is a key element of the dish, as it provides the signature tangy and spicy flavors that make the salad so irresistible. The dressing is made by mixing lime juice, fish sauce, palm sugar, and chili peppers in a small bowl. The ingredients are mixed until the palm sugar dissolves, and the dressing is ready to be added to the salad.

In conclusion, Thai Green Papaya Salad is a vibrant, delicious, and healthy dish that is easy to make and packed full of flavor. It is an excellent option for those who are looking to add more vegetables into their diet and is a great salad for those who are looking to explore new flavors. Whether served as an appetizer or as a light meal, this salad is sure to impress and leave you craving for more.

Thai Green Papaya Salad Recipe:

Ingredients:

1 large green papaya, peeled and shredded

1/2 cup green beans, cut into 2 inch pieces

2-3 cloves garlic, minced

2-3 fresh bird’s eye chilies, chopped

1 tablespoon fish sauce

1 tablespoon sugar

2 tablespoons fresh lime juice

2-3 tablespoons peanuts, roasted and chopped

1/4 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

Directions:

1. Peel the green papaya and shred it using a mandoline or box grater.

2. Add the green beans, garlic, chilies, fish sauce, sugar, and lime juice to a mixing bowl.

3. Mix well until the sugar is dissolved.

4. Add the shredded papaya and mix together well.

5. Toss in the chopped peanuts and halved cherry tomatoes.

6. Serve with a garnish of chopped cilantro.

Enjoy your delicious Thai Green Papaya Salad!

• Thai