Spicy Papaya Salad
Daily Recipe: April 13, 2023
April 13 is the first day of Songkran, the traditional Thai new year that is celebrated by splashing water on each other! So, for this recipe, we'll create a refreshing and spicy papaya salad that will help cool down in the hot weather and add a bit of spice to the celebrations. The dish is made with fresh ingredients that can be found at any local farmer's market and specialty store in NYC.
Ingredients (for 2)
- Green papaya - 1 medium sized - peeled and grated
- Green beans - ½ cup - chopped
- Cherry tomatoes - ½ cup - halved
- Red onion - 1 small - sliced
- Garlic - 2 cloves - minced
- Thai chilies - 1-2 - sliced (depending on how spicy you like it)
- Peanuts - 2 tablespoons - chopped
- Fish sauce - 3 tablespoons -
- Fresh lime juice - 2 tablespoons -
- Sugar - 1 tablespoon -
- Tamarind paste - 1 teaspoon - (optional)
- Salt - to taste -
- Cilantro leaves - - for garnish
Preparation
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Step 1 - 🥢💥🌶️In a mortar and pestle, pound the garlic and chilies together until coarsely crushed.
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Step 2 - 🍲🥄🌶️In a bowl, whisk together the fish sauce (or soy sauce), lime juice, sugar, and tamarind paste (if using) until well combined.
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Step 3 - 🥗💃🏼🧂In a large mixing bowl, combine the grated papaya, green beans, cherry tomatoes, and sliced onion. Add the dressing to the mixing bowl and toss well to coat the vegetables evenly.
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Step 4 - 🌰🌰🤲Add the chopped peanuts and toss again.
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Step 5 - 🧂🌱❄️Add salt to taste. Garnish with cilantro leaves and serve chilled.
Additional
Traditionally, this salad is enjoyed with sticky rice and grilled meat. To make it a complete meal, add some cooked shrimp or chicken. For a vegan option, add some tofu. You can also play with the vegetables by adding sliced carrots, shredded cabbage, or chopped bell peppers. This dish is perfect to enjoy on a hot summer day and will help cool you down from all the water splashing during Songkran festivities!