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Som Tum: The Spicy and Refreshing Thai Papaya Salad
Som Tum, also known as Papaya Salad, is a famous Thai dish that is loved by locals and foreigners alike. It is a refreshing and healthy salad that is perfect for hot and humid days in Thailand. Som Tum is a combination of sweet, sour, spicy, and salty flavors that make it a unique and addictive dish.
The main ingredient in Som Tum is green papaya, which is thinly sliced or grated and mixed with other vegetables and seasonings. The salad is typically prepared using a mortar and pestle to mash the ingredients together, which helps to release their flavors and aromas.
The basic ingredients of Som Tum include green papaya, tomatoes, chili peppers, garlic, lime juice, fish sauce, and palm sugar. Other ingredients such as long beans, carrots, peanuts, and dried shrimp may also be added to enhance the flavor and texture of the salad.
Som Tum is a versatile dish that can be enjoyed as a side dish or a main course. It is often served with sticky rice and grilled chicken or pork. In Thailand, it is a popular street food that is sold by vendors at markets, food stalls, and on the side of the road.
Som Tum is a healthy and low-calorie dish that is packed with vitamins and minerals. Green papaya is an excellent source of vitamin C and fiber, while chili peppers provide a natural boost of energy and help to improve digestion.
Som Tum is also a delicious and spicy dish that is perfect for those who enjoy bold and intense flavors. It is a must-try dish for anyone visiting Thailand, and it is sure to leave a lasting impression on your taste buds.
Som Tum is a classic Thai dish that is loved by many for its refreshing and spicy flavors. Whether you are a fan of Thai cuisine or a first-time visitor to Thailand, be sure to try this unique and delicious salad. With its combination of sweet, sour, spicy, and salty flavors, Som Tum is sure to become one of your favorite dishes in Thailand.
You can try it in Thailand Google Maps
or you can make it
here's a recipe and guide for making Som Tum:
Ingredients:
1 medium green papaya, peeled and grated or thinly sliced
2 medium tomatoes, sliced
2-3 cloves garlic, minced
2-3 Thai chili peppers, finely chopped
2 tbsp. palm sugar
2 tbsp. fish sauce
3-4 tbsp. fresh lime juice
1/4 cup roasted peanuts, roughly chopped
1/4 cup dried shrimp (optional)
1/2 cup long beans, cut into 1-inch pieces (optional)
Instructions:
In a mortar and pestle, pound the garlic and chili peppers together until they are well mashed and fragrant.
Add the palm sugar and pound until it dissolves.
Add the fish sauce and lime juice, and mix everything together until well combined.
Add the grated or sliced green papaya, tomatoes, long beans (if using), and dried shrimp (if using), and mix everything together until the dressing is evenly distributed.
Taste the salad and adjust the seasoning as needed. If it's too sour, add more palm sugar. If it's too salty, add more lime juice.
Serve the salad on a plate, garnished with chopped peanuts.
Tips:
If you don't have a mortar and pestle, you can use a blender or food processor to make the dressing.
For a milder salad, you can reduce the amount of chili peppers or omit them entirely.
Make sure to use green papaya, as it has a firmer texture and is less sweet than ripe papaya.
For a vegetarian version of this salad, you can omit the dried shrimp and use soy sauce or salt instead of fish sauce.
NOTE | Calories: Som Tum generally has low calories, around 50-100 calories per serving.
Enjoy your delicious and refreshing Som Tum!
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