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<\/a>\nThis green papaya salad, also known as \u201cSom Tam\u201d, is popular the world over, and when you taste it you\u2019ll know why. The slightly tart flavor of the green papaya combines wonderfully with the spice of red chili and the saltiness of fish sauce and the sweetness of honey (note that it can also be made vegetarian\/vegan \u2013 see recipe). Green papaya salad is a beautifully unique and flavor-filled dish that will make a great impression. It\u2019s also easy to make, low-calorie, and very nutritious.
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<\/a>\nINGREDIENTS<\/p>\n
1 small green papaya, OR 1\/2 large
\n1\/2 cup roasted peanuts or cashews
\n2 cups bean sprouts
\n1 to 2 tomatoes, cut into thin wedges or long strips
\n3 spring onions, cut into long matchstick-like pieces
\n1\/2 cup fresh basil, leaves left whole or chopped
\nhandful of fresh coriander
\n1 red chili, sliced, seeds removed (reduce or omit, to taste)
\noptional: 1 cup blanched green beans
\noptional: cooked baby shrimp OR cubed fried tofu
\nDRESSING:
\n1\/2 tsp. shrimp paste OR substitute 1 Tbsp. fish sauce OR soy sauce for vegetarians
\n2 Tbsp. good-tasting vegetable oil
\n2 Tbsp. fish sauce OR soy sauce for vegetarians
\n3 Tbsp. lime juice
\n1\/2 to 1 Tbsp. liquid honey, to taste
\n1 fresh red chili OR 1\/8 to 1\/4 tsp. chili flakes or cayenne pepper, to taste<\/p>\n