Veganuary is here and we’re making the most of it!

Are you inspired to go vegan this month?

Not only does veganism have many health benefits but it can also make the world of a difference in today’s environment. If you’re looking to eat more natural produce, try new flavours and eat healthier this month, whilst also making a positive impact on environmental factors, then read on!

This month we’re sharing a hand-picked selection of delicious vegan Thai recipes for those who are looking to explore new flavours this year.

No matter what dish you are making, fresh ingredients combined with skill are the key to making whatever the recipe is, truly delicious. Thailand boasts a multitude of flavourful ingredients including unusual pairings of herbs and spices for us Brits!

We’re sharing a well-known recipe that will truly wake you up this January, packed full of fresh flavours and nutrients (and spice of course) this dish is simple, easy and quick to make.

This easy to prepare dish is full of flavour and is perfect as a meal on its own or as a small dish on the side, dependant on your appetite. Our Papaya Salad is fresh, spicy, sweet and tangy so perfect for an afternoon pick-me-up!

Papaya Salad is enjoyed as part of a balanced diet across South East Asia. Locally known in Cambodia as Bok L'hong, in Laos as Tam Som, or the more specific name Tam Maak Hoong, in Thailand as Som Tam, and in Vietnam as gỏi đu đủ.

If you’ve ever been to Thailand, you’ll know that this is everywhere! From floating markets to street food stalls and fine dining Bangkok restaurants papaya salad is a true native favourite. We've brought it to England and Scotland through serving it traditionally within our Chaophraya restaurants. You can find it in Aberdeen, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Newcastle, Leeds, and Birmingham.

We want to give you the chance to try it at home, view our method below.

As always, please adapt the heat to your taste but the below is the traditional way of how it’s done back in the Land of Smiles – Thailand.

For this recipe, you will need a pestle and mortar, mixing bowl, grater, sharp knife and chopping board.

Papaya Salad (Som Tam) 

Ingredients

5 g         Red Birds Eye Chilli

5 g         Garlic

10 ml    Soy Sauce

10 ml    Fresh Lemon Juice

15 g       Peanuts

25 g       Cherry Tomatos

26 g       Carrots

5 g         Palm Sugar

100 g     Papaya (Green)

0.73 g   Lettuce

20 g      Green Beans

 

Method

  1. Firstly, wash all vegetables. Grate the papaya and carrot into long thin strips.
  2. Slice the tomatoes into halves and add into a bowl with the carrot and papaya.
  3. Cut the fine beans into inch pieces and add to the same bowl.
  4. Peel the lettuce and use 3 – 4 leaves, whole, and leave to the side.
  5. In the pestle and mortar, add the finely sliced chilli and crushed garlic then pound to a paste.
  6. Add the lemon juice, palm sugar and soy sauce and continue to grind.
  7. Add the paste into the bowl of vegetables and mix well. Remember to taste! You can always add more chilli or lime juice.
  8. Crush the peanuts in the pestle and mortar and sprinkle over the bowl of vegetables/sauce.
  9. Place the lettuce leaves in a bowl and add the rest of the ingredients to the bowl. Garnish with a slice of lime and enjoy!
  10.  

In our restaurants, we serve our Som Tam/Papaya Salad with a sticky rice parcel and wrap our salad in Mooli, an Asian radish to hold the contents together. However, don’t worry about doing this at home as this isn’t eaten as part of the dish.

Let us know what you think of this truly tasty Thai recipe on our socials! @chaophrayathai

 

Team Chaophraya