Som Tam Recipe: An Easy Thai Green Papaya Salad

Gather the ingredients.

Peel the green papaya.

Using the largest grater you have (such as one for scalloped potatoes), grate the green fruit, rotating it as you go to avoid hitting the inner seeds.

If you don't have a grater, try a method used in Thailand using a large, sharp knife by deeply scoring the flesh.

Then run your knife just under the surface to release the shreds.

In a food chopper or processor, add the garlic, chili pepper, fish sauce, oil, lime juice, and brown sugar. Process until the liquid turns reddish from the chili. Set this salad dressing aside. 

Slice the green beans into segments and add them to the chopper or processor. Pulse to lightly chop and bruise the beans. In Thailand, the beans are pounded to bruise them, but this method works just as well.

Place the shredded papaya and the vegetables in a large salad bowl, holding back some of the basil for a garnish. Add the chili dressing and beans and toss.

Add the nuts and toss again.

Test for taste and adjust the salad's flavor as desired. If you'd like a more intense flavor or extra saltiness, add an extra splash of fish or soy sauce. More chili can be added to make it spicier. If it's too sour, sprinkle a little white sugar over your salad and toss to mix (the sugar will melt in a minute or two). 

Garnish with the green onions, basil, and roasted peanuts.

Serve your salad as is or as a side dish to any Thai entree. If this is your main course, try serving it with a side of sticky rice like they do in Thailand.