Som Tam (Green Papaya Salad)

Hi Guys!! In addition to our Thai food category, I am going to talk about one of most popular Thai dish called “Som Tam”, a Spicy, Sweet and Sour Salad. Before we proceed, let me brief something about Som Tam. There is a believe that Som Tam is being originated from Northeast of Thailand and gradually became one of the most liked food among Thais. There are considerable variations of "Som Tam" available these days, but among them two most popular types are “Som Tam Thai” (Green Papaya Salad with dried Shrimp) & “Som Tam Pbooh” (Green Papaya Salad with salted Crab). Believe me if you try once, you are going to try again and again because of its unique taste reason why,  it has gained world wide popularity. The main ingredient of Som Tam is Green Papaya, which has high nutritional benefits. It is rich in anti oxidants such as carotenes, vitamin C and flavonoids; vitamin B, foliate and pantothenic acid; and the minerals, potassium and magnesium; and fiber. Together, these nutrients promote the health of the cardiovascular system. Here is the recipe in case you would like to try...

Ingredients:

·         Green Papaya – 3 Cups

·         Carrot  – 1 Cup

·         Lime Juice – 2 tbsp

·         Palm Sugar – 2 tbsp

·         Roasted Peanuts – ¼ Cup

·         Tomatoes – ½ Cup

·         Green Long Beans – ½ Cup

·         Small Garlic Cloves – 2 (with Skin)

·         Fish Sauce – 2 tbsp

·         Chili Peppers – 2 nos ((if you want spicy you can add more)

·         Dried Shrimps (Optional) – 2 tsp
 

You need a clay mortar, wooden pestle and a spatula for this recipe.

Tips:

v  You can either use Dried Shrimps or Salted Crabs as per your choice.

v  If you are a Vegetarian, you can skip Dried Shrimps/ Salted Crabs and use Soya Sauce instead of Fish Sauce.

v  You may use either Cherry Tomatoes or Local Small Tomatoes to have a good taste.

Preparation Method:

Ø  Peel the skin of Papaya; Carrot and shred them in Juliens with a shredder.

Ø  Cut Long Green Beans in 1 inch pieces and tomatoes in small pieces.

Ø  Take Clay Mortar; add Garlic Cloves; Chili Peppers and crush into pieces.

Ø  Add Roasted Peanuts and crush into small pieces.

Ø  Add Palm Sugar and pound till it mixes well.

Ø  Add Lime Juice; Fish Sauce and mix well.

Ø  Add Long Green Beans; Cut Tomatoes; Shredded Papaya; Shredded Carrot and pound till it mixes well.

Ø  Add Dried Shrimps and pound till it mixes well.

Ø  Now the Thai Green Papaya Salad is ready.

Thai Green Papaya Salad is well served with Sticky Rice, Noodles, Grilled Chicken and even Steamed Rice also.