World Flavors Cookbook

Som Tam Pu (Crab Papaya Salad)

The Isaan version of green papaya salad made with preserved crab (pu) and salty fermented fish sauce — pungent, funky, and fiery.

Cuisine: Thailand

Ingredients

• 2 cups green papaya, shredded
• 2 small preserved salted crabs (pu)
• 4-6 bird eye chilies
• 3 cloves garlic
• 6 green beans, cut in half
• 6 cherry tomatoes, halved
• 2 tbsp fermented fish sauce (pla ra) or fish sauce
• 1 tbsp palm sugar
• 1 tbsp lime juice
• 2 tbsp roasted peanuts

Instructions

1. In a large mortar, pound chilies and garlic to a rough paste.
2. Add green beans — pound briefly to bruise.
3. Add palm sugar, fish sauce, and lime juice.
4. Add papaya and pound and toss together.
5. Add tomatoes and preserved crab. Toss gently.
6. Top with roasted peanuts.