Som Tam: My favourite Refreshing and Flavorful Green Papaya Salad

If you're a fan of bold and spicy flavors, then you've got to try Som Tam, a traditional Thai dish that is sure to leave your taste buds tingling. Made with shredded green papaya, chili peppers, garlic, peanuts, and a tangy dressing, this green papaya salad is a delicious and healthy dish that is enjoyed all over Southeast Asia.

The key ingredient in Som Tam is the unripe green papaya, which is grated into thin strips and combined with other ingredients to create a crunchy and refreshing dish. The green papaya is a low-carb and low-fat vegetable that is packed with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, making it a great choice for anyone looking to add more nutritious ingredients to their diet.

To make Som Tam, you will need to gather the following ingredients:

• 1 large green papaya, peeled and grated

• 2 cloves of garlic, minced

• 2-3 chili peppers, chopped

• 2 tablespoons of peanuts, crushed

• 2 tablespoons of palm sugar

• 2 tablespoons of lime juice

• 2 tablespoons of fish sauce

• A handful of cherry tomatoes, halved

• A handful of fresh cilantro leaves

Once you have all of your ingredients together, simply mix the grated green papaya with the minced garlic, chopped chili peppers, crushed peanuts, palm sugar, lime juice, and fish sauce. Use your hands to massage the dressing into the papaya, making sure to evenly distribute the flavors.

Next, add in the cherry tomatoes and mix well. Finally, top the salad with fresh cilantro leaves.

Traditionally, Som Tam is made using a few key tools:

1. Pestle and Mortar: A pestle and mortar is an essential tool for making Som Tam, as it allows you to crush and grind the ingredients to the perfect consistency. The pestle is used to pound the ingredients into a paste, while the mortar provides a stable base for the grinding.

2. Grater: A grater is used to shred the green papaya into thin strips. A traditional Thai grater is called a "kaarah", and it is made of wood and has a serrated surface that allows you to shred the papaya into thin and even strips.

3. Knife: A sharp knife is used to chop the chili peppers, garlic, and herbs. A good quality knife will make the preparation process much easier and quicker.

These are the traditional tools used to make Som Tam. While you can make this dish with modern kitchen tools like a food processor or blender, using traditional tools will give you the authentic taste and texture that is characteristic of this Thai dish.

Whether you're a fan of Thai cuisine or just looking for a delicious and healthy salad, Som Tam is a dish that you won't want to miss. With its combination of crunchy papaya, spicy chili peppers, and tangy dressing, it's sure to become a new favorite! So why not give it a try today and see for yourself why this green papaya salad is my favorite dish.