Green Papaya Salad (Som Tam)

Ingredients

For the Salad:

• Green papaya: 1 medium-sized, peeled and shredded (about 4 cups)
• Cherry tomatoes: 1 cup, halved
• Green beans: 1 cup, trimmed and cut into 2-inch pieces
• Carrot: 1 small, shredded (optional)
• Roasted peanuts: 2 tablespoons, crushed
• Fresh cilantro: 2 tablespoons, chopped (optional)

For the Dressing:

• Garlic: 2 cloves
• Fresh red chili: 1–2 (adjust to spice preference)
• Palm sugar: 1 tablespoon (or substitute with light brown sugar)
• Fish sauce: 2 tablespoons (or soy sauce for vegetarian)
• Lime juice: 3 tablespoons (about 1–2 limes)
• Tamarind paste: 1 teaspoon (optional but traditional)

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Directions

1. Prepare the Vegetables:

   • Peel and shred the green papaya using a mandoline or julienne peeler. Place in a large mixing bowl.
   • Add the halved cherry tomatoes, green beans, and shredded carrot (if using).

2. Make the Dressing:

   • In a mortar and pestle, pound the garlic and chili into a paste.
   • Add the palm sugar, fish sauce, lime juice, and tamarind paste. Mix until the sugar dissolves. (Alternatively, blend the ingredients in a small bowl.)

3. Combine the Salad:

   • Pour the dressing over the shredded papaya and vegetables. Toss everything together until well coated.
   • Add the crushed roasted peanuts and fresh cilantro, if desired, and mix gently.

4. Serve:

   • Transfer the salad to a serving dish and garnish with extra peanuts or cilantro. Serve immediately for the freshest taste.

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Nutritional Information

Serves: 4

Per Serving:

• Calories: ~110 kcal
• Protein: 3g
• Carbohydrates: 14g
  • Sugars: ~7g
• Fat: 5g
  • Saturated Fat: 1g
• Cholesterol: 0mg
• Sodium: 500mg
• Fiber: 3g