Som tum is a refreshing and delicious Thai salad made from green papaya, tomatoes, carrots, garlic, chili peppers, and fish sauce. It is a popular dish in Thailand and is often served as a side dish or appetizer. The sour and spicy flavors of the salad are balanced by the sweetness of the tomatoes and the crunch of the peanuts. Som tum is a healthy and flavorful salad that is easy to make at home.
The key to making a great som tum is to use fresh ingredients and to balance the flavors of the salad. The green papaya should be firm and crisp, and the tomatoes should be ripe and juicy. The chili peppers should be fresh and spicy, and the fish sauce should be of good quality. You can adjust the amount of chili peppers and fish sauce to your own taste.
How To Make Som Tum Thai Salad
Making som tum thai salad is easy. Here are the steps:
Ingredients:
- 1 green papaya, peeled, seeded, and shredded
- 1 carrot, peeled and shredded
- 1 tomato, cut into wedges
- 3-4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2-1 chili pepper, minced
- 1/4 cup fish sauce
- 1/4 cup lime juice
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup peanuts, roasted and crushed
Equipments:
- Mortar and pestle or a food processor
- Large bowl
- Measuring cups and spoons
Instructions:
- In a mortar and pestle, pound the garlic, chili pepper, and fish sauce together until a paste forms.
- Add the green papaya, carrot, and tomato to the mortar and pestle and pound until the vegetables are bruised but still retain their shape.
- Transfer the salad to a large bowl and add the lime juice and sugar.
- Toss the salad to combine the ingredients.
- Taste the salad and adjust the seasonings to your own taste.
- Garnish the salad with the crushed peanuts and serve immediately.
Tips and Possible Variation of Som Tum Thai Salad
Here are a few tips and variations for making som tum thai salad:
- For a spicier som tum, add more chili peppers.
- For a more sour som tum, add more lime juice.
- For a sweeter som tum, add more sugar.
- You can also add other vegetables to your som tum, such as cucumber, green beans, or cabbage.
- If you don’t have a mortar and pestle, you can use a food processor to make the paste.
Som tum thai salad is a delicious and healthy side dish or appetizer. It is easy to make and can be customized to your own taste. So next time you’re looking for a refreshing and flavorful salad, give som tum a try!
