Green Papaya Salad (Som Tum)

"In Thailand, green papaya salad is called som tum, with “som” meaning “sour” and “tum” referring to the pounding sound of the large pestle used to crush ingredients. It is eaten by itself as a snack, or with marinated grilled beef and chicken. In the middle of a hot afternoon, green papaya salad wakes you up with the sour and the spicy. In Laos and Thailand, there is always a vendor selling green papaya salad. The most important flavor for Lao green papaya salad is the heat from chilies. Everything else is there to balance it out. Peanuts in green papaya salad are Thai, not authentic Lao, which the major difference."
 
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photo by Baby Kato photo by Baby Kato
photo by Baby Kato
photo by Baby Kato photo by Baby Kato
Ready In:
20mins
Ingredients:
12
Serves:
4-6
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ingredients

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directions

  • In a blender or mortar, blend or pound garlic, salt, peanuts, chilies, sugar and shrimp (if using) into a paste. Transfer to a large bowl and mix in lime juice and fish sauce. Use a spoon (or the mortar) to lightly crush tomatoes and beans (if using), then add to bowl and mix lightly.
  • Peel and coarsely grate or shred papaya, discarding seeds and inner membrane. There should be 4 to 6 cups.
  • Add papaya to bowl and lightly but thoroughly toss together. Taste for seasoning. Mound in a bowl (if desired, line bowl with lettuce leaves beforehand). Sprinkle with peanuts and serve.
  • Note: If green papaya is unavailable, use an equivalent amount of coleslaw mix (shredded cabbage and carrots).

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Reviews

  1. Wow, was this hot and spicy. It was really good. Quick and easy to make. We enjoyed the heat and the lovely textures in this tasty salad. Made as written but didn`t use the dried shrimp. Thank you for sharing this lovely treat. Made for CQ3 - Thailand & Indonesia.
     
  2. Loved this salad and will definitely make it again! The flavored of the lime and fish sauce are amazing. I couldn't find a totally green papaya, but it was still good. Thanks so much for posting, this is a total keeper!!! Made for ZWT 9
     
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RECIPE SUBMITTED BY

I didn't start cooking until my early 20's, even though I come from a family of accomplished and admired home cooks. While I grew up watching my Italian grandmother in the kitchen, I remained uninterested in trying anything on my own. As a young lady, I was known for being particularly ignorant in the kitchen, with no idea how to even make a hot dog! All this changed, however, when I got engaged. I realized it was time to let my inherent talents out of the bag. At the time, the New York Times had a weekly column called The 60-Minute Gourmet by Pierre Franey. Each week, I would follow these recipes diligently, and taught myself to cook that way. From there, I began to read cookbooks and consult with relatives on family recipes. At my ripe old age now, I feel I know enough to put together a very pleasing meal and have become accomplished in my own right. Having an Irish father and an Italian mother, I'm glad I inherited the cooking gene (and the drinking one too!). One thing I have learned is that simpler is always better! I always believe cooking fills a need to nurture and show love. After being widowed fairly young and living alone with my dog and cats, I stopped cooking for awhile, since I really had no one to cook for. I made care packages for my grown son occasionally, and like to cook weekly for my boyfriend, so I feel like I am truly back in the saddle!!
 
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