lao papaya salad recipe

If you're looking for a delicious and healthy dish to add to your meal rotation, look no further than Lao papaya salad. This traditional dish, also known as tam som or som tum, is a staple in Laotian and Thai cuisine, and has become increasingly popular around the world in recent years. Made with fresh papaya, tomatoes, chili peppers, and other flavorful ingredients, this salad is both nutritious and satisfying.

Ingredients

Before we get started on the recipe, let's take a look at the ingredients you'll need to make Lao papaya salad:IngredientAmountGreen papaya1 mediumTomatoes2 mediumGarlic2 clovesThai chili peppers3-5Green beans1/4 cupRoasted peanuts1/4 cupLime1Fish sauce2 tablespoonsPalm sugar2 tablespoons

Some variations of Lao papaya salad may include additional ingredients such as dried shrimp, tamarind paste, or cilantro. Feel free to experiment with different flavors to find your perfect combination.

Instructions

Now that we've gathered our ingredients, let's get started on making the salad:

1. Peel and shred the green papaya using a grater or mandoline. Place in a large mixing bowl.

2. Chop the tomatoes into small pieces, removing the seeds and pulp. Add to the mixing bowl with the papaya.

3. Mince the garlic and finely chop the Thai chili peppers. Add to the mixing bowl.

4. Cut the green beans into 1-inch pieces and add to the mixing bowl with the other ingredients.

5. In a separate bowl, mix together the fish sauce, palm sugar, and lime juice until the sugar dissolves. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed.

6. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss until all the ingredients are well coated.

7. Top the salad with roasted peanuts and serve immediately.

And that's it! Your Lao papaya salad is ready to enjoy. This dish is best served fresh, so be sure to make it just before you plan to eat it.

Tips and Tricks

Here are some tips and tricks to help you make the perfect Lao papaya salad:

1. If you can't find green papaya, you can use a green mango instead. The flavor will be slightly different, but still delicious.

2. For a milder salad, remove the seeds from the Thai chili peppers before adding them to the salad.

3. Be sure to use fresh lime juice for the dressing, as bottled lime juice can have a different flavor.

4. If you don't have palm sugar, you can substitute brown sugar or honey.

5. For a vegetarian version of the salad, simply omit the fish sauce and add salt to taste.

Health Benefits

In addition to being delicious, Lao papaya salad is also incredibly healthy. Here are some of the health benefits of the ingredients used in the recipe:

1. Green papaya is rich in vitamins A and C, as well as potassium and fiber.

2. Tomatoes are a great source of lycopene, vitamin C, and potassium.

3. Garlic has been shown to have antibacterial and antiviral properties, and may help lower cholesterol and blood pressure.

4. Thai chili peppers contain capsaicin, a compound that has been linked to weight loss and improved heart health.

5. Green beans are a good source of fiber, vitamin C, and folate.

6. Roasted peanuts are high in protein and healthy fats, as well as vitamin E and magnesium.

By incorporating Lao papaya salad into your diet, you can enjoy these health benefits while also satisfying your taste buds.

Conclusion

Lao papaya salad is a delicious and healthy dish that's easy to make at home. With just a few fresh ingredients and some simple preparation, you can enjoy the flavors of Laotian cuisine in your own kitchen. Try this recipe today and discover why Lao papaya salad has become such a popular dish around the world.

Related video of Lao Papaya Salad Recipe: A Delicious and Healthy Dish