Thai Spicy Green Papaya Salad with Sweet Corn – Som Tum Khao Pod
A vibrant, tangy, and spicy salad from the streets of Thailand, Som Tum Khao Pod combines the freshness of raw papaya with the sweetness of corn and the zing of traditional Thai seasonings. This dish is a perfect balance of sweet, salty, and spicy flavors, creating a delightful contrast of textures. The raw papaya’s crunchiness, the sweet corn’s subtle sweetness, and the roasted peanuts’ nuttiness come together to make this salad a true Thai culinary experience.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Raw Papaya (grated) | 300 grams |
| Carrots (Gajjar) (grated) | 2 medium-sized |
| Sweet Corn (steamed) | 1/2 cup |
| Tomato (thinly sliced) | 1 large |
| Thai Red Chilli (Birds Eye Chilli) | 3 (or regular green chillies) |
| Roasted Peanuts (coarsely pounded or halved) | 1/2 cup |
| Fresh Ginger (peeled and grated) | 1 inch |
| Garlic (finely chopped) | 2 cloves |
| Light Soy Sauce | 2 teaspoons |
| Palm Sugar (or Honey) | 1 tablespoon |
| Salt | To taste |
Nutritional Information (per serving)
| Nutrient | Amount per serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 180 kcal |
| Protein | 4 g |
| Carbohydrates | 22 g |
| Fiber | 4 g |
| Sugars | 8 g |
| Fat | 10 g |
| Sodium | 320 mg |
| Vitamin A | 60% of Daily Value |
| Vitamin C | 90% of Daily Value |
| Calcium | 5% of Daily Value |
| Iron | 7% of Daily Value |
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Servings: 2
Cuisine: Thai
Course: Side Dish
Diet: Vegetarian
Instructions
-
Prepare the Vegetables and Corn:
Start by peeling and grating the raw papaya and carrots. If you’re short on time, using a food processor with a grater attachment will make this step much easier. This will give the salad its signature crunchy texture. Next, steam the corn until tender, then set it aside to cool slightly. For the tomato, slice it thinly to add to the salad later. -
-
Make the Dressing:
For the dressing, use a pestle and mortar to pound together the garlic, grated ginger, and Thai red chillies. This step allows the flavors to meld together beautifully. Once pounded into a paste, add the palm sugar (or honey) and a generous squeeze of lemon juice. Pound again to combine the ingredients into a smooth mixture. Add the soy sauce and continue to mix. To finish the dressing, add half of the roasted peanuts and give them a light pound to incorporate them into the mixture. -
Assemble the Salad:
In a large salad bowl, combine the grated papaya, grated carrots, thinly sliced tomato, and the steamed corn. Pour the dressing over the vegetables and toss everything together gently to ensure the flavors are well distributed. Add the remaining roasted peanuts and toss again to incorporate them. -
Taste and Adjust:
At this stage, check the balance of salt, sweetness, and spice. Adjust according to your preferences, adding more sugar, salt, or chili as needed to achieve the perfect balance of flavors. -
Serve:
Serve this Thai Spicy Corn and Green Papaya Salad as a refreshing appetizer at your next dinner party or as a vibrant side dish alongside a Thai curry and steamed jasmine rice. The sweet and spicy flavors will complement the rich, savory flavors of Thai curry perfectly.
Tips for the Perfect Som Tum Khao Pod
- Papaya: Make sure to use green, unripe papaya for the best texture. It should be firm and crunchy, not soft or overripe.
- Peanuts: Roasted peanuts give this salad a wonderful crunch. If you’re in a hurry, pre-roasted peanuts from the store work just as well.
- Adjust Spice Level: If you’re not accustomed to the intense heat of Thai red chillies, start with one or two and taste as you go. You can always add more, but it’s hard to dial back the spice once it’s in.
- Serving Suggestions: This salad pairs beautifully with Thai dishes such as Green Curry, Pad Thai, or Tom Yum Soup. It also makes a great accompaniment to grilled meats or seafood.
This Som Tum Khao Pod offers a refreshing, zesty twist on the classic Thai Green Papaya Salad, adding the sweetness of corn to balance the heat of the chilies. Whether served as an appetizer or a side dish, it is sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection!
