Papaya salad

papaya_salad

Thai Papaya Salad, also known as Som Tam or green papaya salad, is one of the most popular and loved salads in Thai cuisine. This refreshing and flavorful dish is a perfect blend of sweet and sour flavors, salty and spicy notes, and crispy textures. It’s a great starter dish for any Thai meal, and it’s also a fantastic snack on a hot summer day.

What makes the papaya salad unique is the use of green papayas, which are immature, unripe papayas. When compared to ripe papayas, green papayas have a firm and crunchy texture, which makes them perfect for salads. In addition, green papayas have a slightly sour taste, which makes them ideal for savory salads.

The Thai Papaya Salad has its origin in northeastern Thailand, commonly known as Isan. Isan is a region near the border of Laos, and many dishes and ingredients from Laos have influenced the cuisine of Isan, including Som Tam. Laotians are credited with inventing the dish, but it has become popular all over Thailand and has spread worldwide.

Thailand is known for its use of fresh ingredients, and so is the case with Thai Papaya Salad. In addition to green papayas, the salad is made with a blend of vegetables and herbs that are commonly found in Thai cuisine. Tomatoes, long beans, carrots, and chili peppers are some of the ingredients that add color and flavor to the dish.

One of the critical elements to making a great Thai Papaya Salad is the dressing. The dressing is usually made with a combination of ingredients like lime juice, fish sauce, palm sugar, and garlic. The dressing gives the salad its unique sweet and sour taste, which is the signature of the dish. The dressing can be adjusted to taste by adding more or less of any ingredient, depending on how sour or sweet one likes it.

Another critical element is the use of a mortar and pestle to pound the ingredients. The vegetables need to be pounded to release their flavors, and a mortar and pestle are used for this. The mortar and pestle give the salad its signature texture, which is the right balance of crispiness and softness.

Thai Papaya Salad is also healthy, packed with nutrition and low in calories. The green papaya is a rich source of antioxidants, vitamins C and E, folate, and fiber. The other vegetables and herbs provide additional nutrients, making the salad a perfect addition to any healthy diet plan.

In conclusion, Thai Papaya Salad is a refreshing and healthy dish that is perfect for any meal or snack. With its unique blend of flavors and textures, it’s easy to fall in love with this tasty salad. It’s also versatile, as it can be customized to taste, making it an ideal meal for everyone. Homemade Thai Papaya Salad is easy to make, and once you try it, you’ll never go back to store-bought salads.

Here’s a recipe for Thai papaya salad, also known as som tum:

Ingredients:

  • 1 green papaya, shredded
  • 4-5 cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 2-3 cloves of garlic, minced
  • 1-2 Thai chili peppers, minced (or substitute with a small jalapeno)
  • 1 tablespoon fish sauce
  • 1 tablespoon soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon brown sugar
  • 1 lime, juiced
  • Handful of roasted peanuts, crushed
  • Handful of fresh cilantro leaves, chopped

Instructions:

  1. Peel the green papaya and shred it into thin strands using a grater or mandoline slicer.

  2. In a large bowl, combine the shredded papaya, cherry tomatoes, minced garlic, and minced chili peppers. Use a mortar and pestle to lightly pound and bruise the ingredients to release their flavors.

  3. In another small bowl, whisk together fish sauce, soy sauce, brown sugar, and lime juice until the sugar is dissolved.

  4. Pour the dressing over the papaya mixture and toss thoroughly to coat.

  5. Sprinkle with crushed peanuts and chopped cilantro leaves for garnish.

  6. Serve the Thai papaya salad chilled or at room temperature. Enjoy!