Green Papaya Salad


This is a very popular salad in Thailand.  Like most Thai dishes, it features a combination of tart, sweet, hot, salty and sour flavors, which can be adjusted to your personal preference.  Look for green papayas in Asian markets – you can even find them pre-shredded.

  • 1 medium green papaya, peeled and seeds scooped out
  • 1 cup halved cherry tomatoes
  • 1 large hot red chili pepper, or 2-3 small ones
  • 1 clove garlic
  • 1 T  brown sugar
  • 1 T soy sauce
  • ½ t. salt
  • Juice of one lime
  • ¼ c. crushed roasted peanuts, for garnish (optional)

Using a grater or food processor, shred the papaya.  Then bruise the shredded papaya using a mortar and pestle or, alternatively, place the shreds in a plastic bag and pound with a kitchen mallet.  Bruising releases the flavor and aroma of the papaya, which is quite subtle otherwise. Place the papaya in a large mixing bowl and add the tomatoes.

Finely mince the chilies and garlic.  Mix the chili-garlic combination with the brown sugar, soy sauce, salt, and lime juice, and pour onto the papaya and tomatoes.  Toss to mix.  Transfer to a serving plate and garnish with peanuts, if desired.

                    
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