Discover how to make Som Tum, a vibrant and spicy Thai green papaya salad that's a perfect balance of flavors and textures. This classic recipe combines crisp green papaya with juicy tomatoes, tangy lime, fiery chilies, crunchy peanuts, and savory dried shrimp. Ideal for those who love a refreshing, zesty salad with a kick!

Ingredients:

- 2 cups green papaya, peeled and shredded

- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

- 2-3 Thai bird chilies, smashed (adjust to taste)

- 2 cloves garlic, minced

- 2 tablespoons fish sauce

- 1 tablespoon palm sugar (or brown sugar)

- 1 tablespoon lime juice

- 1/4 cup roasted peanuts, coarsely crushed

- 2 tablespoons dried shrimp

- Fresh cilantro (optional, for garnish)

- Lettuce leaves (optional, for serving)

Instructions:

Prepare the Ingredients:

  - Peel and shred the green papaya into thin strips. You can use a julienne peeler or a mandoline slicer for this.

  - Halve the cherry tomatoes and set aside.

  - Crush the Thai bird chilies and minced garlic together using a mortar and pestle or the back of a spoon.

Make the Dressing:

  - In a small bowl, combine the fish sauce, palm sugar, and lime juice. Stir until the sugar dissolves.

Assemble the Salad:

  - In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded green papaya, cherry tomatoes, and dried shrimp.

  - Add the crushed chilies and garlic to the bowl.

  - Pour the dressing over the salad and toss everything together until well combined.

Add the Peanuts:

  - Gently fold in the roasted peanuts.

Serve:

  - Transfer the Som Tum to a serving platter.

  - Garnish with fresh cilantro if desired.

  - Serve immediately on a bed of lettuce leaves, if using, or on its own.

Enjoy your refreshing and spicy Som Tum salad!

Nutritional values

For the Salad

Green Papaya (2 cups, peeled and shredded)

 - Calories: ~39

 - Carbohydrates: ~10g

 - Protein: ~0.7g

 - Fat: ~0.2g

Benefits:

 - High in vitamins A and C, which support immune function and skin health.

 - Contains digestive enzymes like papain, which aid in digestion.

 - Low in calories and provides dietary fiber.

Cherry Tomatoes (1 cup, halved)

 - Calories: ~27

 - Carbohydrates: ~6g

 - Protein: ~1g

 - Fat: ~0.3g

Benefits:

 - Rich in vitamins A and C, and antioxidants like lycopene.

 - Supports heart health and skin health.

 - Low in calories and provides hydration.

Thai Bird Chilies (2-3, smashed)

 - Calories: ~6

 - Carbohydrates: ~1g

 - Protein: ~0.2g

 - Fat: ~0g

Benefits:

 - Adds heat and spiciness to the dish.

 - Contains capsaicin, which may boost metabolism and has anti-inflammatory properties.

Garlic (2 cloves, minced)

 - Calories: ~10

 - Carbohydrates: ~2g

 - Protein: ~0.5g

 - Fat: ~0g

Benefits:

 - Known for its antibacterial and antiviral properties.

 - Adds flavor and may help with heart health and immune support.

Fish Sauce (2 tablespoons)

 - Calories: ~35

 - Carbohydrates: ~2g

 - Protein: ~6g

 - Fat: ~0g

Benefits:

 - Adds umami flavor.

 - Provides some protein and essential minerals like sodium.

Palm Sugar (or Brown Sugar) (1 tablespoon)

 - Calories: ~52

 - Carbohydrates: ~13g

 - Protein: 0g

 - Fat: 0g

Benefits:

 - Adds sweetness to balance the sourness and spiciness.

 - Contains trace minerals, such as potassium and calcium.

Lime Juice (1 tablespoon)

 - Calories: ~4

 - Carbohydrates: ~1g

 - Protein: 0g

 - Fat: 0g

Benefits:

 - Rich in vitamin C, which supports immune function.

 - Adds a tangy flavor to the salad.

Roasted Peanuts (1/4 cup, coarsely crushed)

 - Calories: ~200

 - Carbohydrates: ~7g

 - Protein: ~8g

 - Fat: ~18g

Benefits:

 - Good source of protein and healthy fats.

 - Provides fiber, vitamins, and minerals like magnesium and potassium.

Dried Shrimp (2 tablespoons)

 - Calories: ~50

 - Carbohydrates: ~1g

 - Protein: ~11g

 - Fat: ~0.5g

Benefits:

 - High in protein and low in fat.

 - Adds a savory, umami flavor to the salad.

Fresh Cilantro (optional, for garnish)

 - Calories: ~1

 - Carbohydrates: ~0.2g

 - Protein: ~0.1g

 - Fat: ~0g

Benefits:

 - Adds fresh flavor and color.

 - Contains vitamins A, C, and K, and has antioxidant properties.

Lettuce Leaves (optional, for serving)

 - Calories: ~5

 - Carbohydrates: ~1g

 - Protein: ~0.5g

 - Fat: ~0g

Benefits:

 - Provides a crisp texture and adds a low-calorie base for serving.

 - Contains vitamins and minerals, including folate and vitamin K.

This breakdown highlights the nutritional content and health benefits of each ingredient used in your green papaya salad.