Ingredients:
1 unripe green papaya (medium size)
3-4 cloves garlic, minced
4-6 red bird's eye chilies, seeded and chopped (adjust to your spice preference)
1 shallot, thinly sliced
1 Tbsp palm sugar (or brown sugar)
1 Tbsp fish sauce
1 tsp shrimp paste (optional)
1/2 lime, juiced
1/4 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1/4 cup long beans, thinly sliced (optional)
Fresh herbs (mint, cilantro, and/or basil), chopped (for garnish)
Instructions:
- Prepare the Papaya: Peel the papaya and remove the seeds. Using a box grater or julienne peeler, shred the papaya into thin matchsticks.
- Pound the Aromatics: In a mortar and pestle, combine the garlic, chilies, and shallot. Pound them together until a coarse paste forms.
- Add Seasonings: Add the palm sugar, fish sauce, and shrimp paste (if using) to the mortar. Pound briefly to combine.
- Incorporate the Papaya: Add the shredded papaya to the mortar and gently fold it in with the pestle. Be careful not to mush the papaya.
- Dress the Salad: Squeeze in the lime juice and gently toss with the papaya mixture.
- Final Touches: Add the cherry tomatoes and long beans (if using) and toss again. Taste and adjust seasonings with additional fish sauce, lime juice, or palm sugar as desired.
- Serve: Garnish with fresh chopped herbs and enjoy immediately with sticky rice.
Tips:
- Use a mortar and pestle for the most authentic flavour and texture. However, you can use a food processor with a pulse function in a pinch.
- Wear gloves when handling chilies to avoid burning your hands.
- Start with fewer chilies and adjust the spice level to your preference.
- If you don't have shrimp paste, you can omit it or substitute with a pinch of dried shrimp powder.
- For a vegetarian option, simply leave out the shrimp paste.
- Tam Mak Hung is best enjoyed fresh, but leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to a day. The flavours will intensify slightly over time.
Nutritional Information (per serving):
Calories: Around 200 Fat: 5g Carbohydrates: 30g Sugar: 15g Protein: 5g Sodium: 400mg (depending on the amount of fish sauce used)
Please note: This is a general estimate and the actual nutritional information may vary depending on the ingredients used and portion size.