This recipe is a take on the green papaya salad, known as Som Tum, which is popular in most areas of Thailand, and when you taste it, you'll know why. Green papaya has a very mild, almost bland taste, but it is the medium through which robust flavor ingredients take body and form. It combines well with the spice of jalapeno and ginger and the saltiness of soy sauce, plus the sweetness of honey, giving it a crisp and chewy texture unlike that of other vegetables. Papaya salad is a scrumptiously unique and flavor­ filled dish that will make a great impression. It's easy to make, low calorie and very nutritious. So try this recipe for dinner tonight with barbecued or grilled chicken, fish or pork!

Ingredients:

1 small green papaya or 1/2 large (select one that is very firm with a shiny green peel, flesh white to light orange in color)

2 cups of bean sprouts

1 cup of shredded carrots

1 cup of snow peas cut into thin strips

2-3 tomatoes cut into long strips

4 spring onions (scallions) cut into thin match-like pieces

1/2 cup of fresh basil, roughly chopped - extra for garnishing

1/2 cup of fresh cilantro, roughly chopped - extra for garnishing

1 jalapeno pepper, minced (seeds removed for a milder salad)

1/2 cup of plain honey-roasted peanuts, roughly chopped

Dressing:

3 tbsp. soy sauce

4 tbsp. of oil, such as olive

3 tbsp. of lime juice, freshly squeezed

3 tbsp. of honey

1-2 cloves of garlic, crushed

1 tbsp. of fresh ginger, grated

Lime wedges for garnish

Preparation:

1. First, prepare the dressing by thoroughly mixing all dressing ingredients together in a bowl. Set aside.

2. Peel the green papaya, then slice it in half and remove seeds, if using a seeded variety. Using the largest grater you have, grate the papaya {or you can use a potato peeler to create thin ribbon-like strips). Place in a large bowl.

3. Add the bean sprouts, carrots, snow peas, tomatoes, onions and most of the basil and cilantro. Add the dressing, tossing to combine.

4. Garnish with the peanuts, remaining basil, cilantro and lime wedges.

5. *Taste-test the salad. If not sweet enough, add a little more honey, if not salty enough, add a little more soy sauce. If too sweet or salty, add more lime juice. If you prefer it spicier, add more fresh-cut jalapeno or crushed red pepper flakes.

Make Ahead Tip: You may wish to make this salad ahead of time, combine all ingredients except the nuts and dressing. You can leave it covered in the refrigerator several hours or overnight. Add the dressing at the last minute, toss, garnish and serve.