Som Tam: Thai Green Papaya Salad
A fresh, spicy, and easy Thai green papaya salad, or som tam, can be prepared without requiring a mortar and pestle.
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Instructions
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Peel and grate the green papaya, rotating to avoid seeds; alternatively, deeply score the papaya and then slice just under the surface to create shreds.
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Process garlic, chile pepper, fish sauce, oil, lime juice, and brown sugar in a chopper until reddish, then set aside; alternatively, pound garlic and chile, then whisk with remaining dressing ingredients.
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Slice green beans, then pulse in a chopper to lightly chop and bruise them.
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Combine shredded papaya, cherry tomatoes, bean sprouts, most of the basil, the chile dressing, and beans in a large bowl and toss.
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Add most of the peanuts and toss again.
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Taste and adjust seasoning with extra fish sauce, chile, or sugar as desired.
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Garnish with scallions, remaining basil, and peanuts.