Som tam is a refreshing, spicy, and delicious green papaya salad that is a staple of Thai cuisine. It is made with shredded green papaya, carrots, tomatoes, garlic, chili peppers, peanuts, and a tangy dressing made with fish sauce, lime juice, and palm sugar. This salad is a perfect balance of flavors and textures, and it is sure to tantalize your taste buds. So if you are looking for a delicious and healthy vegan Thai salad recipe, look no further than som tam!
Som tam is believed to have originated in the Isan region of northeastern Thailand. It is typically served as a side dish or appetizer, but it can also be enjoyed as a main course. Som tam is a popular street food in Thailand, and it can be found at many restaurants and food stalls throughout the country.
Making som tam is easy. All you need is a few simple ingredients and a little bit of time. The most important ingredient in som tam is the green papaya. Green papayas are unripe papayas that have a firm, crunchy texture. They are available at most Asian grocery stores.
How To Make Som Tam Thai Salad
To make som tam, start by shredding the green papaya. You can use a grater or a food processor to do this. Once the papaya is shredded, add it to a large bowl along with the carrots, tomatoes, garlic, chili peppers, and peanuts.
Ingredients:
- 1/2 green papaya, peeled, seeded, and shredded
- 1/2 carrot, peeled and shredded
- 1/2 tomato, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2-4 chili peppers, finely chopped (adjust to taste)
- 1/4 cup roasted peanuts
Equipments:
- Knife
- Cutting board
- Grater or food processor
- Large bowl
Instructions:
- In a large bowl, combine the papaya, carrots, tomatoes, garlic, chilli peppers and peanuts.
- In a small bowl whisk together the fish sauce, lime juice and palm sugar.
- Pour the dressing over the salad and toss to combine.
- Serve immediately or chill for later.
Tips and Possible Variation of the Som Tam Thai Salad
Here are a few tips for making a delicious som tam:
- Use a sharp knife to shred the papaya. This will help to prevent the papaya from becoming mushy.
- Adjust the amount of chili peppers to taste. Som tam can be made as mild or as spicy as you like.
- If you don’t have any roasted peanuts, you can use raw peanuts instead. Just be sure to toast them in a pan over medium heat until they are golden brown.
Here are a few possible variations of the som tam recipe:
- Som tam pu pla ra: This variation of som tam is made with fermented fish sauce instead of regular fish sauce. It has a more pungent flavor than regular som tam.
- Som tam khao niao: This variation of som tam is made with sticky rice instead of peanuts. It is a more filling and satisfying meal.
- Som tam hed hon: This variation of som tam is made with jellyfish instead of peanuts. It has a unique and refreshing flavor.
No matter how you make it, som tam is a delicious and refreshing salad that is sure to please everyone at your table. So next time you are looking for a healthy and flavorful Thai dish, give som tam a try!
