Green papaya salad
Ingredients:
For the salad:
- 1 green papaya (about 1 pound), peeled and shredded
- 2-3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2-3 Thai bird’s eye chilies, minced (adjust to your spice preference)
- 2-3 cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1-2 tablespoons roasted peanuts, crushed
- 2-3 tablespoons dried shrimp (optional, for added flavor)
- 2-3 long beans or green beans, cut into 2-inch pieces (optional)
- 2-3 tablespoons fish sauce (adjust to taste)
- 1-2 tablespoons palm sugar or brown sugar (adjust to taste)
- Juice of 1-2 limes (adjust to taste)
For garnish:
- Cilantro leaves
- Extra peanuts
Instructions:
- Prepare the Papaya:
Peel the green papaya and cut it in half lengthwise. Remove the seeds with a spoon. Using a grater or a special papaya shredder, shred the papaya into thin strips. Alternatively, you can use a knife to julienne it. - Prepare the Dressing:
In a mortar and pestle, pound the minced garlic and Thai bird’s eye chilies until they form a paste. You can also use a food processor or finely chop them if you don’t have a mortar and pestle. - Combine Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded green papaya, cherry tomatoes, long beans (if using), dried shrimp (if using), and crushed peanuts. - Add the Dressing:
Add the garlic and chili paste to the salad mixture. Also, add fish sauce, palm sugar (adjust to your preferred level of sweetness), and lime juice (adjust for the right balance of sweet, sour, salty, and spicy flavors). - Toss and Pound:
Using a large spoon or your hands (wearing gloves if you’re sensitive to chili heat), toss and pound the ingredients together. Use a gentle pounding motion to bruise the papaya slightly and allow it to absorb the flavors of the dressing. - Taste and Adjust:
Taste the salad and adjust the flavors as needed. You can add more fish sauce, sugar, or lime juice to achieve the perfect balance. - Serve:
Transfer the salad to a serving plate or bowl. Garnish with cilantro leaves and extra crushed peanuts. - Enjoy:
Green Papaya Salad is typically served as a side dish or appetizer in Thai cuisine. It pairs well with grilled meats, sticky rice, and other Thai dishes.
Remember to adjust the spice level and sweetness to your preference. Green Papaya Salad can be quite spicy, so add Thai bird’s eye chilies cautiously if you’re not a fan of extreme heat.
