Sundaland Recipes

Also known as Green Papaya Salad, Som Tam is a delightful combination of sweet, sour, spicy, and savory flavors. This popular street food originated in the northeastern region of Thailand and has gained global popularity for its unique taste and refreshing qualities. 
The taste of Som Tam is a perfect balance of tanginess from the lime juice, saltiness from the fish sauce, sweetness from the palm sugar, and a spicy kick from the chilies. The combination of textures, from the crisp papaya to the crunchy peanuts, adds an enjoyable contrast to each bite. Som Tam is often garnished with fresh cilantro and served with sticky rice for a complete and satisfying meal. 

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By:Sundaland Recipes Team
Author:

Prep Time:20 Minutes
Cook Time:01 Minutes
Suitable:Vegan
Category:Appetizer
Origin:Thailand
Serving:4 Person
Tags:Spicy, Combination, Zesty

Nutrifacts:100 calories
  3 grams fat

Rating:4.7 

This vibrant and zesty salad is sure to awaken your taste buds and transport you to the bustling streets of Thailand. So, indulge in the refreshing flavors of Som Tam and experience the perfect harmony of tastes that make it a favorite among locals and travelers alike.  

Ingredients:

• 1 small green (unripe) papaya, peeled and shredded
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 cup long green beans, cut into 1-inch pieces
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• 2-3 Thai bird chilies, minced (adjust according to your spice preference)
• 2 tablespoons roasted peanuts, crushed
• 2 tablespoons fish sauce
• 2 tablespoons lime juice
• 1 tablespoon palm sugar (or substitute with brown sugar)
• Fresh cilantro leaves for garnish
• Sticky rice or jasmine rice (optional, for serving)

Instructions:

1. In a large bowl, combine the shredded green papaya, halved cherry tomatoes, and cut green beans.
2. In a mortar and pestle, pound the minced garlic and Thai bird chilies together until they form a paste. If you don't have a mortar and pestle, you can use a food processor or finely mince them together with a knife.
3. Add the garlic and chili paste to the bowl of papaya and vegetables.
4. In a separate small bowl, whisk together the fish sauce, lime juice, and palm sugar until the sugar has dissolved.
5. Pour the dressing over the papaya and vegetables and toss well to ensure everything is coated.
6. Add the crushed peanuts to the salad and give it a final toss.
7. Taste and adjust the seasoning according to your preference, adding more lime juice, fish sauce, or palm sugar if desired.
8. Serve the Som Tam garnished with fresh cilantro leaves.
9. If desired, accompany it with sticky rice or jasmine rice to complete the meal.