2024. 11. 2. 08:40ㆍ카테고리 없음
Som Tam, a traditional Thai green papaya salad, is a spicy, tangy, and slightly sweet salad made from shredded unripe papaya. Originating in Thailand’s northeast region, this dish is known for its unique blend of flavors and crunchy texture. Here’s a step-by-step recipe for preparing this refreshing and vibrant salad.
Ingredients (Serves 2)
- Green papaya: 1 cup, shredded
- Cherry tomatoes: 5–6, halved
- Green beans: 5–6, cut into 2-inch pieces
- Garlic: 2 cloves, minced
- Bird’s eye chili: 1–2, chopped (adjust to preferred spice level)
- Palm sugar: 1 tablespoon (or brown sugar)
- Fish sauce: 1 tablespoon
- Lime juice: 2 tablespoons
- Roasted peanuts: 2 tablespoons, crushed
- Dried shrimp: 1 tablespoon (optional)
Step-by-Step Som Tam Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Green Papaya
- Peel the green papaya and shred it into thin, long strips using a julienne peeler or grater.
Tip: If you don’t have green papaya, you can substitute with other crunchy vegetables like cucumber or carrots.
Step 2: Prepare the Dressing
- In a mortar and pestle, add garlic and bird’s eye chili. Pound gently until they are roughly mashed.
- Add palm sugar, fish sauce, and lime juice. Mix well to create a balanced dressing that’s spicy, sour, salty, and slightly sweet.
Tip: Adjust the fish sauce and lime juice to taste, as the flavor should be bold and well-balanced.
Step 3: Add the Green Beans and Tomatoes
- Add the green beans and halved cherry tomatoes to the dressing mixture in the mortar.
- Gently pound the ingredients together, just enough to release their juices and coat them with the dressing.
Tip: Pounding the tomatoes releases extra flavor into the dressing and slightly softens the green beans.
Step 4: Combine with Shredded Papaya
- Add the shredded papaya to the mortar or a large mixing bowl if your mortar is too small.
- Toss everything together, making sure the dressing coats all of the papaya strips evenly.
Tip: Lightly pound the mixture to help the dressing seep into the papaya without mashing it.
Step 5: Add the Dried Shrimp and Peanuts
- Add dried shrimp and crushed roasted peanuts to the salad.
- Stir gently to incorporate them evenly throughout the dish.
Tip: Dried shrimp adds an umami depth to the salad, while the peanuts provide a delightful crunch.
Step 6: Adjust Seasoning
- Taste the salad and adjust seasoning if necessary. Add a bit more lime juice for tanginess, fish sauce for saltiness, or palm sugar for sweetness.
Tip: Som Tam should have a balanced flavor profile, with a good mix of spicy, sour, salty, and sweet.
Step 7: Plate and Garnish
- Serve the Som Tam on a plate, garnished with a few extra peanuts on top for garnish.
Tip: Enjoy Som Tam as a side dish with sticky rice or on its own for a light, refreshing appetizer.
Tips for the Best Som Tam
- Use a mortar and pestle: This traditional method helps release and blend the flavors, but a large mixing bowl can also work if needed.
- Adjust the spice level: Bird’s eye chili is quite spicy, so start with one and add more to taste.
- Serve fresh: Som Tam is best enjoyed immediately to maintain the crisp texture of the papaya.
Som Tam is a delicious and refreshing salad that combines the bold flavors of Thai cuisine. This vibrant dish is a perfect balance of spicy, sour, sweet, and salty, making it a delightful addition to any meal!