Zesty Green Papaya Salad (Som Tum)
Experience the vibrant flavors of Southeast Asia with this Zesty Green Papaya Salad, also known as Som Tum. Originating from Thailand, this refreshing dish combines the crunchiness of unripe papaya with a delightful balance of sourness and spice. The term 'som' signifies the salad's tangy quality, and 'tum' refers to the pounding method used to meld the ingredients. Bursting with fresh ingredients, including chilies, lime, and crunchy peanuts, this salad rejuvenates the palate on a sweltering afternoon. Traditionally enjoyed as a stand-alone snack or paired with marinated grilled meats, Som Tum is a staple street food in Thailand and Laos, embodying the essence of local culinary traditions. With its complex flavor profile and nutritious components, it's sure to become a favorite at your dining table.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
12
Ingredients
Ingredients
garlic cloves
1 large or 2 small (peeled)
salt
1/4 teaspoon
dry-roasted salted peanuts
1 tablespoon (more for garnish)
fresh bird chilies or serrano chilies
2 (sliced)
raw sugar or white sugar
1/2 teaspoon
dried shrimp
1 tablespoon (optional)
fresh lime juice
2 tablespoons
fish sauce (nam pla)
1-2 tablespoons (to taste)
large round tomato or grape tomatoes
1 large or 8 grape (coarsely chopped)
long beans
1/2 lb (trimmed and cut into 1 1/2-inch lengths (optional))
green papaya
1 (small to medium, unripe)
lettuce
as needed (for serving (optional))
Instructions
1
Begin by making the paste: In a blender or a mortar and pestle, combine the garlic, salt, dry-roasted peanuts, sliced chilies, sugar, and dried shrimp (if using). Blend or pound until a coarse paste is formed.
2
Transfer the paste to a large mixing bowl and stir in the fresh lime juice and fish sauce. The mixture should have a balanced flavor, so feel free to adjust the ingredients to your taste.
3
Next, prepare the vegetables: Use a spoon or the mortar to lightly crush the coarsely chopped tomatoes and long beans (if using) and add them to the bowl with the paste. Mix gently to combine.
4
For the green papaya, peel it and coarsely grate or shred it, discarding any seeds and the inner membrane. You should aim for about 4 to 6 cups of shredded papaya.
5
Fold the shredded papaya into the salad mixture and toss gently, ensuring the dressing coats all the ingredients evenly. Taste and adjust seasoning as desired, adding more lime juice or fish sauce if necessary.
6
To serve, mound the salad in a bowl, or for an elegant presentation, line the bowl with lettuce leaves beforehand. Finish by sprinkling additional peanuts on top for added crunch. Enjoy!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Som Tum?
Som Tum is a vibrant and refreshing Southeast Asian salad, primarily known as Thai Green Papaya Salad, which features a balance of sour, spicy, and savory flavors.
What does the name Som Tum mean?
In the name Som Tum, 'som' refers to the salad's tangy or sour quality, while 'tum' refers to the traditional pounding method used to prepare the ingredients.
What is the primary ingredient in Som Tum?
The main ingredient is unripe, green papaya that has been peeled and coarsely grated or shredded.
Can I use ripe papaya for this recipe?
No, this recipe specifically requires green, unripe papaya for its characteristic crunchy texture and neutral flavor.
Where did Green Papaya Salad originate?
Som Tum originates from Thailand and Laos and is a staple street food across Southeast Asia.
How do I prepare the green papaya for the salad?
You should peel the papaya, discard any seeds and the inner membrane, and then coarsely grate or shred it to yield 4 to 6 cups.
Which chilies are used in Zesty Green Papaya Salad?
The recipe calls for fresh bird chilies or serrano chilies to provide the dish's signature heat.
What type of nuts are used in Som Tum?
Dry-roasted salted peanuts are used both in the paste and as a garnish for added crunch.
Is Som Tum spicy?
Yes, it is traditionally spicy, though you can adjust the number of chilies used to suit your personal heat tolerance.
How is the flavor profile of this salad described?
It has a complex flavor profile that balances sourness from lime, saltiness from fish sauce, and spice from fresh chilies.
Can I make this salad without a mortar and pestle?
Yes, you can use a blender to create the initial paste, though a mortar and pestle is traditional for pounding the ingredients.
What is the first step in making the salad paste?
The first step is to combine garlic, salt, peanuts, chilies, sugar, and optional dried shrimp in a blender or mortar to form a coarse paste.
Are dried shrimp required for this recipe?
Dried shrimp are optional; they add a traditional depth of flavor but can be omitted if preferred.
What provides the sourness in the dressing?
The tangy quality comes from fresh lime juice, which is stirred into the base paste.
What type of tomatoes should I use?
You can use one large round tomato or about eight grape tomatoes, which should be coarsely chopped and lightly crushed.
What are long beans?
Long beans, also known as yardlong beans, are a common Southeast Asian vegetable that provides a fresh crunch to the salad.
How should I serve Som Tum?
It can be served on its own as a snack or paired with grilled meats. For presentation, you can line the bowl with lettuce leaves.
Is Zesty Green Papaya Salad healthy?
Yes, it is a nutritious dish made with fresh vegetables and ingredients like garlic and lime, though sodium levels depend on the amount of fish sauce used.
How do I balance the flavors in the dressing?
After making the base paste, taste the mixture and adjust the lime juice and fish sauce to achieve your preferred balance.
How much garlic is needed?
The recipe suggests using one large or two small garlic cloves, peeled before blending.
Can I use regular sugar?
Yes, while raw sugar is mentioned, white sugar is a perfectly acceptable substitute.
Is this recipe vegan?
The recipe contains fish sauce and dried shrimp, but it can be made vegan by substituting the fish sauce with soy sauce or a vegan fish sauce and omitting the shrimp.
What is 'Nam Pla'?
Nam Pla is the Thai term for fish sauce, which provides the essential salty and umami flavors to the dish.
How do I finish the dish before serving?
Before serving, toss the shredded papaya with the dressing and finish by sprinkling extra peanuts on top for added crunch.
Why is the papaya shredded?
Shredding the papaya increases the surface area, allowing it to soak up the dressing effectively while maintaining its crunchy texture.
What are bird chilies?
Bird's eye chilies are small, potent chilies frequently used in Southeast Asian cuisine for their intense heat.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 12 distinct ingredients listed, including the vegetables, seasonings, and optional garnishes.
Is the lettuce mixed into the salad?
No, the lettuce is used as an optional lining for the serving bowl to create an elegant presentation.
Should the long beans be cooked?
No, the long beans are used raw; they are trimmed, cut, and lightly crushed to help them absorb the flavors.
Is Som Tum a main course?
It can be eaten as a stand-alone snack, but it is very commonly served as a side dish alongside grilled proteins.