Tam Mak Hung: Lao Cuisine

 

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:

1. Prepare the Papaya: Peel the papaya and remove the seeds. Using a box grater or julienne peeler, shred the papaya into thin matchsticks.
2. Pound the Aromatics: In a mortar and pestle, combine the garlic, chilies, and shallot. Pound them together until a coarse paste forms.
3. Add Seasonings: Add the palm sugar, fish sauce, and shrimp paste (if using) to the mortar. Pound briefly to combine.
4. 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.
5. Dress the Salad: Squeeze in the lime juice and gently toss with the papaya mixture.
6. 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.
7. 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.