Spicy Green Papaya Salad

Ingredients

• 1 small green papaya, shredded (about 2 cups / 240g) 1 small green papaya, shredded (about 2 cups / 240g)
• 10 cherry tomatoes, halved 10 cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 cup (150g) green beans, trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces 1 cup (150g) green beans, trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces
• 1/4 cup (30g) roasted peanuts, roughly chopped 1/4 cup (30g) roasted peanuts, roughly chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2-3 Thai bird's eye chilies, finely chopped (adjust according to spice preference) 2-3 Thai bird's eye chilies, finely chopped (adjust according to spice preference)
• 2 tablespoons palm sugar, grated 2 tablespoons palm sugar, grated
• 2 tablespoons fish sauce 2 tablespoons fish sauce
• 2 tablespoons lime juice 2 tablespoons lime juice
• 1 tablespoon tamarind paste 1 tablespoon tamarind paste
• Salt, to taste Salt, to taste

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 150 kcal / 628 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 8g, 1g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 18g, 10g
• Protein: 4g
• Fiber: 4g
• Salt: 1.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a large mixing bowl, combine the minced garlic, chopped chilies, grated palm sugar, fish sauce, lime juice, and tamarind paste. Mix well until the sugar has dissolved.
2. 2.
   Add the shredded green papaya, cherry tomatoes, green beans, and roasted peanuts to the bowl. Toss everything together until the dressing coats the ingredients evenly.
3. 3.
   Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt, if needed.
4. 4.
   Let the salad sit for about 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
5. 5.
   Serve the Spicy Green Papaya Salad chilled and enjoy!

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Green papaya — Choose a firm and unripe green papaya for the best texture. If green papaya is not available, you can substitute it with shredded green mango.
• Thai bird's eye chilies — Adjust the amount of chilies according to your spice tolerance. Be cautious as they can be extremely hot. You can also use milder chili varieties if preferred.
• Palm sugar — If palm sugar is not available, you can substitute it with brown sugar or coconut sugar for a similar sweetness.

Tips & Tricks

• For a milder version, remove the seeds from the Thai bird's eye chilies before chopping.
• To enhance the flavors, let the salad marinate in the dressing for a longer time before serving.
• Add a handful of fresh herbs like cilantro or Thai basil for an extra burst of freshness.
• For added crunch, sprinkle some fried shallots on top before serving.
• Serve the salad with sticky rice or grilled chicken for a complete Thai meal experience.

Serving advice

Serve the Spicy Green Papaya Salad as a refreshing appetizer or as a side dish alongside your favorite Thai dishes. Garnish with a few sprigs of fresh cilantro and a wedge of lime for an extra touch of presentation.

Presentation advice

Present the Spicy Green Papaya Salad in a vibrant and colorful manner by arranging the shredded green papaya, cherry tomatoes, and green beans on a serving platter. Drizzle the dressing over the top and sprinkle with roasted peanuts. The contrasting colors and textures will make it visually appealing.