Thai green papaya salad: A vegetarian guide
Thai green papaya salad, known as som tam, is a vibrant dish from Thailand. It is celebrated for its bold flavors and refreshing crunch and originates from the northeastern part of Thailand. The salad has gained worldwide popularity for its unique taste and health benefits. Traditionally enjoyed as street food, it now appeals to vegetarians and health enthusiasts globally. Let's get cooking.
Gather the following ingredients
To make this delightful salad, you will need one medium green papaya (peeled and shredded), two carrots (peeled and shredded), 10 cherry tomatoes (halved), two tablespoons of roasted peanuts (crushed), two cloves of garlic (minced), two red chilies (sliced thin), two tablespoons of soy sauce, one tablespoon of lime juice, one teaspoon of sugar, and a handful of fresh cilantro leaves.
Preparing the papaya
Begin by peeling the green papaya. Once peeled, use a grater or a julienne peeler to shred it into thin strips. Perform the same process with the carrots. The key to an authentic Thai green papaya salad is in the texture; both papaya and carrots should be crisp and thinly sliced to absorb the dressing well.
Making the dressing
In a small bowl, combine two cloves of minced garlic with two thinly sliced red chilies. Add in two tablespoons of soy sauce, one tablespoon of lime juice, and one teaspoon of sugar. Stir these ingredients well until the sugar completely dissolves. This mixture gives the salad its iconic sweet, sour, and spicy flavor profile that is distinctly Thai.
Combining ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, add the shredded papaya and carrots, along with the halved cherry tomatoes. Then, gently pour the dressing prepared in step two over these vegetables. Carefully toss everything together to ensure that each strand is evenly coated with the dressing. This step is crucial for achieving maximum flavor absorption and melding the flavors together harmoniously.
Final touches
Just before serving, add crushed roasted peanuts for crunch and garnish with fresh cilantro leaves for aromatic freshness. This vegetarian guide ensures you can easily enjoy exotic Thai green papaya salad at home. Ideal for expanding culinary skills or seeking a refreshing meal, this recipe promises both taste and nutrition in every bite. It does so without any hassle or hard-to-find ingredients.
