Thai Spicy Green Papaya Salad with Sweet Corn – Som Tum Khao Pod
A zesty and vibrant side dish from Thailand, this Thai Spicy Corn & Green Papaya Salad, also known as Som Tum Khao Pod, is a perfect balance of spicy, sweet, and sour flavors. With a crunchy texture from raw papaya, carrots, and roasted peanuts, and a touch of sweetness from palm sugar, this refreshing salad is a must-try for any occasion. The addition of sweet corn brings a delightful twist, making it an unforgettable treat.
Cuisine: Thai
Course: Side Dish
Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients for Thai Spicy Green Papaya Salad with Sweet Corn (Som Tum Khao Pod)
| Ingredients | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Raw papaya (grated) | 300 grams |
| Carrots (Gajjar) (grated) | 2 |
| Sweet corn (steamed) | 1/2 cup |
| Tomato (thinly sliced) | 1 |
| Thai Red Chilli (Birds Eye Chilli) | 3 (or regular green chillies, thinly slit) |
| Roasted peanuts (Moongphali) (coarsely pounded or halved) | 1/2 cup |
| Ginger (peeled and grated) | 1-inch piece |
| Garlic (finely chopped) | 2 cloves |
| Light soy sauce | 2 teaspoons |
| Palm sugar (or honey) | 1 tablespoon |
| Salt | To taste |
Preparation and Cooking Time
| Preparation Time | Cooking Time | Total Time |
|---|---|---|
| 15 minutes | 20 minutes | 35 minutes |
Instructions for Thai Spicy Green Papaya Salad with Sweet Corn (Som Tum Khao Pod)
-
Grate the Vegetables:
Begin by grating the raw green papaya and carrots. The easiest way to do this is by using a food processor equipped with a grater attachment. This will save time and effort while ensuring you get the right texture for the salad. -
Prepare the Dressing:
In a pestle and mortar, add the finely chopped garlic, grated ginger, and Thai red chillies. Lightly pound the mixture to release the flavors. Add the palm sugar (or honey) along with lemon juice and soy sauce. Pound again until all the ingredients are well incorporated. -
Add the Peanuts:
Take half of the roasted peanuts and add them to the pestle and mortar. Lightly pound them with the other ingredients to release some of their flavor. The peanuts should be slightly crushed, not completely ground. -
Combine the Salad:
In a large salad bowl, combine the grated papaya, grated carrots, thinly sliced tomato, steamed sweet corn, and the remaining roasted peanuts. Pour the prepared dressing over the salad ingredients. -
Toss the Salad:
Gently toss all the ingredients together, ensuring the dressing is evenly distributed. Taste the salad and adjust the salt, spice, and sugar levels according to your preference. If you like it spicier, add more chillies; if you prefer it sweeter, increase the amount of palm sugar or honey. -
Serve:
Serve this Thai Spicy Corn & Green Papaya Salad as an appetizer at parties or as a refreshing side dish to accompany a Thai curry and steamed rice.
Tips for Perfect Thai Spicy Green Papaya Salad
- Adjust Spice Level: You can control the spice level by adding more or fewer Thai bird’s eye chillies. If you prefer a milder version, you can replace the Thai chillies with regular green chillies.
- Sweetness: Palm sugar adds a traditional flavor to the dish, but you can substitute it with honey if palm sugar is unavailable. Adjust the sweetness based on your taste.
- Crunch Factor: Make sure to pound the peanuts lightly so that they remain crunchy and provide texture to the salad.
Nutritional Information (per serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | ~120 kcal |
| Protein | 4g |
| Carbohydrates | 20g |
| Fat | 6g |
| Fiber | 3g |
| Sodium | 400 mg |
Enjoy this Thai-inspired, spicy, and crunchy papaya salad as a refreshing side dish that will elevate any meal with its bold and bright flavors. Perfect for a warm day or any occasion when you need a light, flavorful dish!
