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Tam Mak Houng, also known as spicy green papaya salad, is a popular dish in Laos that is enjoyed by locals and tourists alike. It is a refreshing and spicy salad that is perfect for hot and humid weather.
Tam Mak Houng can be found in many restaurants and street vendors in Laos, and it is also popular in other Southeast Asian countries, such as Thailand and Cambodia. It is often served as a side dish or appetizer, but it can also be eaten as a main course with rice.
Not only is Tam Mak Houng delicious, but it also has several health benefits. Green papaya is rich in vitamins A and C, which are important for maintaining a healthy immune system. The dish also contains chili, which can help to boost metabolism and aid digestion.
Tam Mak Houng is a delicious and healthy dish that is popular in Laos and other Southeast Asian countries. Its refreshing and spicy flavors make it a perfect dish for hot and humid weather, and its health benefits make it a great addition to any meal. If you're ever in Laos, be sure to try Tam Mak Houng and experience the unique flavors of this traditional dish.
Guide and recipe for making Tam Mak Houng, or spicy green papaya salad, from Laos:
Ingredients:
1 green papaya (unripe)
2-3 garlic cloves
5-10 small green or red Thai chili peppers (depending on desired level of spiciness)
2-3 tablespoons fish sauce
2-3 tablespoons palm sugar (or brown sugar)
2-3 tablespoons lime juice
1-2 small tomatoes (optional)
1-2 handfuls of long beans, cut into 2-3 inch pieces (optional)
1-2 tablespoons roasted peanuts, crushed (optional)
Instructions:
Peel the green papaya and remove the seeds. Using a special tool called a som tam, shred the papaya into thin strips.
In a large bowl, combine the shredded papaya with the long beans and chopped tomatoes (if using).
In a mortar and pestle, pound the garlic and chili peppers together until they are well mixed and form a paste.
Add the fish sauce, palm sugar, and lime juice to the mortar and continue pounding until the sugar dissolves and the ingredients are well mixed.
Pour the dressing over the papaya mixture and toss until everything is well combined.
Taste the salad and adjust the seasoning if needed, adding more fish sauce, lime juice, or sugar to your taste.
Add the crushed roasted peanuts (if using) and give the salad a final toss before serving.
Tam Mak Houng is best served fresh and chilled, and it can be enjoyed as a side dish or as a main course with rice. If you don't have a som tam, you can also use a mandoline or a sharp knife to shred the papaya into thin strips.
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