Papaya salad

Papaya salad, also known as som tam, is a popular salad dish from Southeast Asia, particularly Thailand and Laos. It is typically made with shredded unripe (green) papaya, mixed with a variety of other ingredients, such as tomatoes, chilies, garlic, fish sauce, lime juice, and peanuts. The ingredients are pounded together using a mortar and pestle, which helps to release the flavors and textures of the ingredients and create a tasty and refreshing salad. Papaya salad is often eaten as a main dish or a side dish and can be served with rice or noodles. It is known for its sweet, sour, spicy, and salty flavors and is a popular dish among those who enjoy bold and complex flavors.

Ingredients:

1 green papaya (peeled and grated)
4 cherry tomatoes (halved)
2-3 garlic cloves (minced)
2-3 Thai bird’s eye chilies (minced)
2 tablespoons of dried shrimp (optional)
1 tablespoon of fish sauce
2 tablespoons of palm sugar
2 tablespoons of lime juice
1/4 cup of roasted peanuts (crushed)
a handful of fresh coriander leaves

Instructions:

In a large mixing bowl, combine the garlic, chilies, dried shrimp, fish sauce, palm sugar, and lime juice. Mix well until the palm sugar has dissolved.

Add the grated green papaya and cherry tomatoes to the mixing bowl. Using a pestle or a large spoon, gently pound and mix the ingredients together, making sure that the papaya and tomatoes are coated with the dressing.

Add the crushed peanuts and fresh coriander leaves to the mixing bowl. Toss everything together until well combined.

Transfer the papaya salad to a serving plate, garnish with additional peanuts and coriander leaves, and serve immediately.

Note: If you cannot find green papaya, you can substitute it with green mango or cucumber. Also, adjust the amount of chilies based on your desired level of spiciness. Enjoy!

We provide on this website a recipe for Papaya Salad, one of the most refreshing and popular dishes in Thai cuisine. However, we understand that preparing this dish requires a certain level of expertise and knowledge to perfect the balance of flavors. That is why we offer cooking course in Phuket where we provide much more than just the recipe. In our classes, we share the history and culture behind the dish, the ingredients and their preparation, and the techniques used to create the perfect Papaya Salad. We also provide guidance on how to adjust the flavors according to personal preferences, and how to make the dish spicier or milder depending on individual taste. Our cooking classes provide a unique opportunity to learn about Thai cuisine and immerse yourself in the flavors and techniques of this vibrant cuisine. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced cook, our classes offer a fun and interactive way to learn the art of Thai cooking and create delicious Papaya Salad at home.

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