It is so hot today! 
I want to actually eat a salad and not soup for once, and my favorite salad is a Thai Green Papaya Salad with Salted Crab (Som Tam Boo Kem). Unfortunately it’s not found in El Paso, so I have to make it to satisfy my cravings. 
Luckily @saigonmarket6600 off Mesa has all the ingredients you need to make an authentic salad. Green papaya, salted crab, Thai basil, and Thai chilies. 
I hate ripe papayas because it’s mushy and has weird side effects on my stomach, but I love green papayas! Have you tried it? 
Green papaya has a very mild, almost bland, taste, but it picks up the hot, sour, sweet and salty flavors very well, giving them a unique crisp and chewy texture unlike that of any other vegetable. When made into salad, you wouldn’t know that it was mild and timid; you remember it only as bold and spicy. 
Did you know that Thai Green Papaya Salad with Salted Crab (Som Tam Boo Kem) has a rich history in Thailand? It is believed to have originated in the northeastern region of the country, known as Isan, and has since become a popular dish across Thailand and beyond.
Not only is this dish steeped in tradition, but it is also incredibly refreshing in the hot and humid climate of Thailand. The combination of fresh, crisp papaya and tangy, spicy dressing make it the perfect dish to cool down and revitalize on a sweltering day. 
If you haven’t tried Thai Green Papaya Salad with Salted Crab (Som Tam Boo Kem) yet, you’re missing out on a true taste of Thai culture and cuisine. Give it a try and you’ll see why it’s a beloved dish in Thailand and beyond! 
My friend is going to help me cut down on time to make it with her Thermomix and she loves it as well since she’s been to Thailand recently. 
