Lao / Thai Green Papaya Salad
Spicy green papaya salad is my current obsession. My friend's Mom taught me this recipe, although her version includes shrimp paste, a couple pieces of fermented crab and of course a little MSG.
ingredients
1-5 Thai chilies (I added 4)
2 garlic cloves
1 medium sliced tomato
2 T fish sauce
3 T lime juice
1 t sugar
4 cups grated green papaya
Crush the Thai chilies and garlic using a large mortar and pestle. Add the tomato, fish sauce, lime juice, sugar and one cup papaya, and mix all ingredients until sugar is dissolved. Add the remaining papaya, mix and serve!
I think it tastes fantastic by itself, but the spiciness is too much for most people. It's also good with sticky rice, rice noodles and as a side with grilled meats.
Next time I make this I'll probably include the crab or some dried shrimp, for a more stinky version :)