Green Papaya Salad

Green Papaya Salad Recipe - African and Cambodian Cuisine

Region / culture: Africa, Cambodia | Preparation time: 20 minutes | Cooking time: 0 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

Green Papaya Salad is a popular dish in Southeast Asian cuisine, known for its refreshing and tangy flavors. This salad is a perfect balance of sweet, sour, salty, and spicy, making it a favorite among food enthusiasts.

History

Green Papaya Salad, also known as Som Tum in Thailand, is believed to have originated in Laos. It has since become a staple dish in Thai, Cambodian, and Vietnamese cuisines. The dish is traditionally made with shredded green papaya, mixed with a variety of ingredients such as beans, peanuts, dried shrimp, and a flavorful dressing.

Ingredients

300 g / 10 oz / 2 cups finely grated green papaya
1 handful of tender green beans
2 tbsp of dried shrimp
2 tbsp of crushed roasted peanuts
1 clove of garlic
2 shallots or small purple onions
2 or 3 fresh bird's eye chillies
1 tbsp of fish sauce
1 tbsp of palm sugar
lime juice to taste
dried chilli flakes (optional)

How to prepare

Peel the papaya and shred the flesh or grate it into fine, long strands.
Cut the beans into short lengths.
In a blender, process the dried shrimp until it becomes a floss-like texture.
Combine the crushed peanuts with the dried shrimp and set aside.
Use a mortar and pestle to pound the garlic, shallots, and chillies into a paste.
Add fish sauce and sugar to the paste, then add the beans and gently pound them to maintain their shape.
Add the papaya shreds and lightly pound them.
Transfer the mixture into a bowl, add lime juice, and toss well.
Sprinkle with dried shrimp and peanuts, and if desired, add some dried chilli flakes.

Variations

Add cherry tomatoes or mango for a different flavor profile.
Substitute the dried shrimp with grilled chicken or tofu for a vegetarian option.
Experiment with different herbs such as mint or cilantro for added freshness.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to use green, unripe papaya for this recipe as it has a crunchy texture and mild flavor.

- Adjust the amount of chillies according to your spice preference.

- For a vegetarian version, you can omit the dried shrimp and substitute with soy sauce or salt for seasoning.

Serving Suggestions

Green Papaya Salad can be served as a side dish or as a light and refreshing main course. It pairs well with grilled meats, seafood, or rice dishes.

Cooking Techniques

The key to making a delicious Green Papaya Salad is to pound the ingredients gently in a mortar and pestle to release their flavors and textures.

Ingredient Substitutions

If green papaya is not available, you can use green mango or cucumber as a substitute. You can also customize the salad with your favorite vegetables and proteins.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the dressing and ingredients ahead of time and assemble the salad just before serving to maintain its freshness and crunchiness.

Presentation Ideas

Serve Green Papaya Salad in a large bowl or on individual plates, garnished with extra peanuts and herbs for a beautiful presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

This salad pairs well with a cold beer, a crisp white wine, or a refreshing iced tea to balance out the spicy flavors.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Green Papaya Salad is best enjoyed fresh, but leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Do not freeze as the texture may become mushy.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

A serving of Green Papaya Salad contains approximately 200 calories.

Carbohydrates

Green Papaya Salad is a low-carb dish, with approximately 15 grams of carbohydrates per serving.

Fats

This salad is a good source of healthy fats from the peanuts and dried shrimp, providing around 10 grams of fats per serving.

Proteins

Green Papaya Salad contains about 8 grams of protein per serving, mainly from the dried shrimp and peanuts.

Vitamins and minerals

This salad is rich in vitamins and minerals, particularly vitamin C, vitamin A, and potassium from the green papaya and other ingredients.

Alergens

This recipe contains peanuts and dried shrimp, which may be allergens for some individuals. Be sure to check for any allergies before consuming.

Summary

Overall, Green Papaya Salad is a nutritious and flavorful dish that provides a good balance of carbohydrates, fats, proteins, vitamins, and minerals.

Summary

Green Papaya Salad is a delicious and healthy dish that is easy to make and full of vibrant flavors. Whether you enjoy it as a side dish or a main course, this salad is sure to impress your taste buds with its unique combination of ingredients.

How did I get this recipe?

I can still recall the sense of amazement I felt when I first saw this recipe for Green Papaya Salad. It was many years ago, when I was just a young girl living in a small village in Thailand. My grandmother, who was known throughout the village for her incredible cooking skills, had just returned from a trip to the market with a large, vibrant green papaya in tow.

As she began to peel and shred the papaya, I watched in awe as she effortlessly transformed the ordinary fruit into a beautiful salad. The colors were so vibrant and the aroma so enticing that I couldn't wait to try it.

Curious, I asked my grandmother where she had learned to make such a dish. She smiled and told me that she had learned the recipe from her own grandmother, who had passed it down through the generations. She explained that the key to the salad's delicious flavor was the perfect balance of sweet, sour, spicy, and salty ingredients.

I eagerly helped my grandmother gather the rest of the ingredients - garlic, chili peppers, fish sauce, lime juice, and peanuts - and watched in fascination as she mixed them together in a large mortar and pestle. The pungent aroma of the garlic and chili peppers filled the air, making my mouth water in anticipation.

Once the dressing was ready, my grandmother tossed it with the shredded papaya, along with some fresh herbs and vegetables from our garden. The colors and textures of the salad were a feast for the eyes, and I couldn't wait to taste it.

As I took my first bite, I was hit with a burst of flavors unlike anything I had ever experienced before. The sweetness of the papaya was perfectly balanced by the tangy lime juice, spicy chili peppers, and salty fish sauce. The crunch of the peanuts added a delightful texture to the dish, making it truly unforgettable.

From that day on, Green Papaya Salad became a staple in our household. My grandmother would make it for special occasions, gatherings with friends and family, or simply as a refreshing side dish on a hot summer day. I watched and learned from her as she made the salad countless times, memorizing the recipe and techniques so that one day I could recreate it on my own.

Years passed, and I eventually left my village to explore the world beyond. Along the way, I encountered many different cuisines and recipes, but none could compare to the simple yet delicious flavors of my grandmother's Green Papaya Salad.

I made it a point to share the recipe with anyone who showed an interest, passing on the tradition that had been passed down to me. I taught my own children how to make the salad, and they in turn taught their friends and loved ones.

Today, as I sit in my kitchen preparing a batch of Green Papaya Salad for a family gathering, I can't help but feel grateful for the recipe that has brought so much joy and connection to my life. It serves as a reminder of my roots, my heritage, and the love and knowledge that has been passed down through the generations.

As I take a bite of the salad, savoring the familiar flavors and textures, I am filled with a sense of contentment and pride. I may have learned to make Green Papaya Salad from my grandmother, but the memories and traditions that come with it will always remind me of where I come from and who I am. And for that, I am forever grateful.