THAI GREEN PAPAYA SALAD / SOM TUM

Thai Green papaya salad or som tum is a spicy salad made from shredded unripened papaya. The dish combines the four main tastes of Thai cuisine: sour lime, hot chili, salty fish sauce, and sweetness added by palm sugar. In Thailand, it is customary that a customer ask the preparer to make the dish suited to his or her tastes. This is also one of my favorite Thai dishes. I found green papaya the other day and immediately I know I gotta make this papaya salad/ som tum

THAI GREEN PAPAYA SALAD / SOM TUM (4 servings)

3 Cups peeled, seeded green papaya
1/2 C shredded carrot
1/2 C thinly slivered red sweet pepper
1/4 C chopped mint
1/4 C chopped cilantro
3 Tbsp minced green onion
1/2 C seeded, peeled tomato (chopped)
1 Tbsp ground dried shrimp
2 Tbsp coarsely chopped dry-roasted peanuts
2 Tbsp sesame seeds – optional

Dressing:
1/4 C lime juice
3 Tbsp fish sauce
2 tsp palm sugar – grated
1 Tbsp pressed garlic or finely chopped
2 Tbsp minced fresh red chilis
Mix all the ingredients for dressing and set aside.

COOKING METHOD:

1. In a big bowl, add papaya, carrot, sweet pepper, mint, cilantro and green onion to the dressing. Gently squeeze the mixture to release flavors and soften the vegetables

2. Add the rest of the ingredients and toss to mix well. Ready to serve