Thai cuisine is known for its flavourful and spicy dishes, and Som Tam salad is no exception. Also known as Green Papaya Salad, it is a refreshing and healthy dish that is widely popular in Thailand and across the world. This dish is a perfect balance of sweet, sour, salty, and spicy flavours, making it a favourite among food lovers.
The main ingredient of Som Tam salad is shredded unripe green papaya, which is mixed with a variety of other ingredients such as tomatoes, garlic, green beans, peanuts, and chilli peppers. The dressing is made from lime juice, fish sauce, and palm sugar, which gives the salad its unique and delicious taste.
Som Tam salad is not only a delicious dish but also a healthy one. Green papaya is a rich source of antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals, and is known to aid digestion and boost the immune system. The addition of other ingredients such as green beans, tomatoes, and peanuts further enhances the nutritional value of this dish.
While Som Tam salad is typically served as a side dish or appetiser, it can also be enjoyed as a main dish by adding grilled chicken or shrimp. It is a great dish to serve at a summer barbecue or as a light lunch on a hot day.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups shredded green papaya
- 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/4 cup sliced green beans
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 Thai chilli peppers, finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons chopped peanuts
- 2 tablespoons fish sauce
- 2 tablespoons lime juice
- 1 tablespoon palm sugar
Method:
- In a large bowl, combine the shredded green papaya, cherry tomatoes, and sliced green beans.
- In a small bowl, mix together the garlic, chili peppers, chopped peanuts, fish sauce, lime juice, and palm sugar to make the dressing.
- Pour the dressing over the papaya mixture and toss to coat.
- Let the salad sit for at least 10 minutes to allow the flavours to meld together.
- Serve the Som Tam salad chilled, garnished with additional chopped peanuts and sliced chilli peppers.