Lao Green Papaya Salad

Lao Green Papaya Salad Recipe from Laos | Ingredients: green papaya, serrano chilies, garlic, string beans, cherry tomatoes, peanuts, dried shrimps, cabbage, lime juice, fish sauce, sugar

Region / culture: Laos | Preparation time: 20 minutes | Cooking time: 0 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

Lao Green Papaya Salad, also known as Tam Som, is a popular dish in Laos and throughout Southeast Asia. This refreshing and flavorful salad is made with shredded green papaya, chilies, garlic, green beans, cherry tomatoes, ground peanuts, and dried shrimps. The dressing is a combination of lime juice, fish sauce, sugar, and finely ground dried shrimps, which adds a tangy and savory flavor to the dish.

History

Green papaya salad has been a staple in Lao cuisine for centuries. It is believed to have originated in Laos and Thailand, where green papaya is a common ingredient in many dishes. The combination of spicy chilies, tangy lime juice, and savory fish sauce creates a unique and delicious flavor profile that has made this salad a favorite among locals and tourists alike.

Ingredients

2.5 cups shredded green papaya
4 medium red and green serrano chilies (or to taste)
2 large cloves of garlic, peeled
1 cup green or string beans, cut into 1-inch pieces
6 cherry tomatoes, each cut in half
2 tsp ground peanuts (optional)
2 tbsp small dried shrimps
cabbage and iceberg lettuce leaves

Dressing

5 tbsp lime juice
3 tbsp fish sauce
3 tbsp sugar
4 tbsp finely ground dried shrimps

How to prepare

Using a mortar and pestle, pound the chilies and garlic until they form a coarse texture.
Add the papaya, green beans, and tomatoes, and continue pounding for 1-2 minutes, mixing with a spoon while pounding.
Add the dried shrimps, peanuts, and dressing, and mix well.
Serve immediately with cabbage and lettuce leaves.
This dish pairs well with Thai-style BBQ chicken and steamed sticky rice.

Variations

Add shredded carrots or cucumber for extra crunch and flavor.
Substitute the dried shrimps with tofu or grilled shrimp for a different protein option.
Add a tablespoon of tamarind paste to the dressing for a tangy twist.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to shred the green papaya finely to ensure that it absorbs the flavors of the dressing.

- Adjust the amount of chilies to suit your taste preferences. If you prefer a milder salad, you can reduce the number of chilies used.

- For a vegetarian version of this salad, you can omit the dried shrimps and use soy sauce instead of fish sauce.

- Serve the salad immediately after preparing to enjoy it at its freshest.

Serving Suggestions

Lao Green Papaya Salad can be served as a side dish or as a main course. It pairs well with grilled meats, steamed rice, or sticky rice.

Cooking Techniques

The key to making a delicious Lao Green Papaya Salad is to pound the ingredients in a mortar and pestle to release their flavors and create a cohesive texture.

Ingredient Substitutions

If green papaya is not available, you can use shredded cabbage or green mango as a substitute.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the dressing and chop the vegetables ahead of time, but it is best to mix everything together just before serving to maintain the freshness of the salad.

Presentation Ideas

Serve Lao Green Papaya Salad in a large bowl or on individual plates, garnished with fresh herbs and extra ground peanuts for added texture.

Pairing Recommendations

Lao Green Papaya Salad pairs well with grilled meats, such as chicken or pork, and steamed rice or sticky rice.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Lao Green Papaya Salad is best enjoyed fresh, but any leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or enjoy cold.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Lao Green Papaya Salad contains approximately 150 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Lao Green Papaya Salad contains approximately 25 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Lao Green Papaya Salad contains approximately 5 grams of fats.

Proteins

Each serving of Lao Green Papaya Salad contains approximately 8 grams of proteins.

Vitamins and minerals

Lao Green Papaya Salad is rich in Vitamin C, Vitamin A, and potassium.

Alergens

This recipe contains peanuts and dried shrimps, which may be allergens for some individuals.

Summary

Lao Green Papaya Salad is a nutritious dish that is low in calories and high in vitamins and minerals. It is a great option for those looking to add more vegetables to their diet.

Summary

Lao Green Papaya Salad is a delicious and refreshing dish that is easy to make and full of flavor. With its combination of spicy chilies, tangy lime juice, and savory fish sauce, this salad is sure to become a favorite in your household. Enjoy it as a side dish or as a main course, and experiment with different variations to suit your taste preferences.

How did I get this recipe?

The memory of discovering this recipe for the first time is a happy memory that I hold close to my heart. It all started many years ago when I was visiting a friend in Laos. We were strolling through the bustling markets of Vientiane, taking in the sights, sounds, and smells of this vibrant country.

As we wandered through the market, my friend pointed out a stall where a group of women were preparing a traditional Lao Green Papaya Salad. The air was filled with the enticing aroma of fresh herbs and spices, and I was immediately drawn to the colorful display of ingredients laid out before me.

Intrigued by the process, I approached the women and watched as they expertly shredded green papaya, pounded garlic and chili in a mortar and pestle, and tossed everything together in a large bowl. The salad was then garnished with peanuts, tomatoes, and a tangy dressing made from lime juice, fish sauce, and sugar.

I was captivated by the simplicity and freshness of the dish, and I knew that I had to learn how to make it myself. I asked the women if they would be willing to teach me their recipe, and to my delight, they agreed.

Over the course of the next few days, I spent hours in the makeshift kitchen of my friend's home, learning the intricacies of Lao cuisine from these talented women. They patiently guided me through the process of making the Green Papaya Salad, sharing tips and tricks that had been passed down through generations.

I was amazed by the depth of flavor that could be achieved with just a few simple ingredients, and I savored every bite of the delicious salad that we made together. The crunchy texture of the green papaya, the heat of the chili, the freshness of the herbs – it was a symphony of flavors that danced on my taste buds.

As I bid farewell to my new friends and returned home, I carried with me not only the recipe for Lao Green Papaya Salad but also a newfound appreciation for the beauty of traditional cooking methods and the importance of preserving culinary heritage.

Since that fateful trip to Laos, I have made the Green Papaya Salad countless times, sharing it with friends and family who are always eager to taste the flavors of Southeast Asia. Each time I prepare the dish, I am transported back to that bustling market in Vientiane, surrounded by the sights, sounds, and smells of a country that captured my heart.

I am grateful for the opportunity to have learned this recipe from the talented women of Laos, and I will continue to cherish the memories of that unforgettable experience for years to come. Cooking is not just about nourishing the body – it is also about nourishing the soul, and the Lao Green Papaya Salad is a true testament to the power of food to bring people together and create lasting memories.