Welcome, culinary enthusiasts, to the vibrant world of Southeast Asian cuisine, where bold flavors and fresh ingredients reign supreme. Today, we’re diving into a dish that’s a staple on the streets of Thailand and a favorite among food lovers worldwide: Green Papaya Salad, also known as “Som Tam.” This dish is a perfect symphony of sweet, sour, spicy, and savory notes, making it an irresistible treat for your taste buds. It’s incredibly flavorful and boasts various textures, from the crunch of the green papaya to the juicy burst of cherry tomatoes. Ideal for anyone seeking a light yet satisfying meal, this salad is a delightful choice for a summer lunch or as a side dish to your favorite grilled meats. Join me as we explore this refreshing recipe that’s sure to become a staple in your culinary repertoire.

Recipe Name: Green Papaya Salad

Ingredients:

• 1 medium green papaya, peeled and julienned
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1/4 cup roasted peanuts, crushed
• 1/4 cup fresh long beans, cut into 2-inch pieces
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 Thai bird’s eye chilies, finely sliced (adjust to taste)
• 2 tablespoons fish sauce
• 1 1/2 tablespoons palm sugar, grated (or substituted with brown sugar)
• 1 1/2 tablespoons tamarind juice
• 1 lime, juiced
• 2 tablespoons dried shrimp (optional)
• 1/4 cup carrot, julienned (for added color and crunch)
• Fresh cilantro leaves for garnish

Directions:

1. Begin by preparing the dressing. Pound the garlic and chilies together in a mortar and pestle until they form a rough paste. Add the mixture’s palm sugar, fish sauce, tamarind juice, and lime juice. Continue to pound until the sugar is dissolved and the ingredients are well combined.
2. Combine the julienned green papaya, cherry tomatoes, long beans, and carrots in a large mixing bowl. If you’re using dried shrimp, add it to the bowl.
3. Pour the dressing over the salad ingredients and mix well, ensuring that the dressing coats everything evenly. The best way to mix is by using your hands, but you can also use salad tongs.
4. Once mixed, taste and adjust the seasoning if necessary. The salad should have a harmonious balance of sweet, sour, spicy, and salty flavors.
5. Transfer the salad to a serving dish and sprinkle with crushed peanuts. Garnish with fresh cilantro leaves before serving.

How to Prepare:

• First, peel the skin with a vegetable peeler to julienne the green papaya. Then, cut the papaya into thin strips using a julienne peeler or a sharp knife. If a julienne peeler is unavailable, you can grate the papaya using a box grater.
• The dressing can be made in advance and stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. This allows the flavors to meld together and intensify.
• Use a mortar and pestle to achieve an authentic texture and flavor for the dressing. If you don’t have one, you can crush the ingredients using a small bowl and the back of a spoon.

Preparation Time: 20 minutes
Servings: 2-4
Cooking Time: N/A
Total Time: 20 minutes
Kcal: Approximately 155 kcal per serving

Nutrition Facts:

Calories: 155 | Total Fat: 7g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 33mg | Sodium: 1017mg | Total Carbohydrates: 20g | Dietary Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 12g | Protein: 5g

Kitchen Equipment Needed:

• Vegetable peeler
• Julienne peeler or sharp knife
• Mortar and pestle (or a small bowl and the back of a spoon)
• Large mixing bowl
• Salad tongs (optional)
• Serving dish

Storing Leftovers:

Green Papaya Salad is best enjoyed fresh, but if you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. The vegetables may soften, and the flavors will intensify over time.

Food or Drink Pairings:

This salad pairs beautifully with grilled chicken or fish, sticky rice, or as a refreshing starter to a multi-course meal. Consider a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or a light beer to complement the salad’s vibrant flavors for drinks.

In crafting this article, I’ve included LSI keywords such as “authentic texture and flavor,” “refreshing starter,” “crisp white wine,” and “light beer” to help the article rank swiftly on Google. By providing a detailed guide to preparing Green Papaya Salad, along with tips for ingredient substitutions, storage advice, and pairing suggestions, this blog post aims to be a comprehensive resource for novice and experienced cooks looking to explore the delightful flavors of Southeast Asia.