Thai Som Tum Recipe (Thai Green Papaya Salad)
Thai Som Tum, a refreshing and vibrant salad, is a staple in Thai cuisine, known for its balance of flavors and crisp texture. This dish showcases the unique taste of green papaya, combined with a medley of vegetables, aromatic herbs, and a zesty dressing that leaves your palate wanting more. The combination of sweet, sour, spicy, and salty notes makes it a perfect appetizer or side dish for any meal. This vegetarian-friendly recipe can easily accommodate various dietary preferences, ensuring that everyone can enjoy its deliciousness.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Cherry tomatoes | 5 |
| Dried shrimps (optional) | 1 tablespoon |
| Fresh red chillies | 2 |
| Fish sauce (or soy sauce) | 1 ½ tablespoons |
| Garlic | 2 cloves |
| Green beans (French beans) | 6 |
| Papaya (unripe, green) | 2 cups |
| Lemon juice | 2 tablespoons |
| Palm sugar (or brown sugar) | 1 ½ tablespoons |
| Roasted peanuts (Moongphali) | 2 tablespoons |
Nutritional Information
| Nutritional Component | Per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | Approx. 180-200 |
| Protein | 5g |
| Carbohydrates | 25g |
| Dietary Fiber | 3g |
| Sugars | 8g |
| Fat | 7g |
| Sodium | Varies based on fish sauce |
Preparation Time
| Task | Time (minutes) |
|---|---|
| Preparation | 10 |
| Cooking | 15 |
| Total Time | 25 |
Instructions
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Prepare the Papaya: Begin by selecting a ripe, yet firm green papaya, aiming for a fruit that is crisp and white inside. Carefully peel the skin off the papaya, ensuring to remove any blemishes. Next, cut the papaya into thin julienne strips, which can be achieved using a sharp knife or a specialized julienne peeler designed for vegetables such as zucchini and carrots.
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Trim and Cut the Beans: Take your fresh green beans, trim the ends, and slice them into 1-inch pieces. This allows for even cooking and better absorption of flavors.
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Create the Chili-Garlic Paste: Take two fresh red bird’s eye chillies, finely chop them, and place them in a mortar along with the two cloves of garlic. Using a pestle, crush and grind the mixture into a fine paste. If you do not have a mortar and pestle, a food processor can be used as an alternative to achieve the same result.
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Make the Dressing: Transfer the chili-garlic paste into a mixing bowl. To this mixture, add the lemon juice, fish sauce, and palm sugar (or brown sugar) to taste. If you prefer a vegetarian option, substitute fish sauce with soy sauce, which will still provide a delightful umami flavor.
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Bruise the Beans: Place the chopped green beans into the mortar and gently bruise them with the pestle. This action helps to release their natural juices, enhancing the overall flavor profile of the salad.
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Prepare the Tomatoes: Scoop out the pulp of the cherry tomatoes using a spoon, and then cut them into either julienne strips or small cubes, depending on your preference.
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Combine Ingredients: In the bowl with the dressing, add the papaya juliennes, bruised beans, and chopped tomatoes. Gently toss all the ingredients together to ensure an even coating of the dressing.
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Serve with Peanuts: Transfer the salad mixture into a serving bowl, and sprinkle the roasted peanuts on top for a delightful crunch. You may crush the peanuts if you prefer smaller pieces; however, halved peanuts work wonderfully as well.
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Enjoy: Indulge in the freshness of this Thai Som Tum salad. For a complete meal, serve it as a side dish alongside a hearty Vegetarian Thai Red Curry and steamed rice, making it perfect for a weekend dinner or any occasion that calls for a burst of flavor.
Thai Som Tum not only tantalizes the taste buds with its rich flavors but also provides a healthy dose of nutrients, making it an excellent addition to any meal. This salad celebrates the freshness of ingredients and the art of balancing flavors, embodying the essence of Thai cuisine in every bite. Whether enjoyed as a light appetizer or paired with a more substantial dish, this salad is sure to impress and delight.
