Papaya Salad

Instructions

1. Prepare the green papaya
   Peel the green papaya and remove all seeds. Using a julienne peeler or grater, shred the papaya into thin strips. Place in a bowl of cold water to keep crisp while preparing other ingredients.
2. Make the dressing
   In a mortar and pestle, pound the garlic and chilies until they form a rough paste. Add the palm sugar and continue pounding until dissolved. Add fish sauce and lime juice, then stir to combine.
3. Blanch the beans
   Bring a small pot of water to boil. Add the long beans or green beans and blanch for 30 seconds. Immediately transfer to ice water to stop cooking, then drain well.
4. Combine and pound
   Drain the shredded papaya thoroughly. In a large mortar (or mixing bowl if you don't have one), combine the papaya, beans, and tomatoes. Add the dressing and gently pound or mix everything together, bruising the ingredients slightly to allow flavors to meld.
5. Taste and adjust
   Taste the salad and adjust seasoning if needed. The flavor should be a balance of spicy, sour, sweet, and salty. Add more lime juice, fish sauce, or sugar as needed.
6. Serve and garnish
   Transfer the salad to a serving plate. Sprinkle with chopped peanuts and dried shrimp (if using). Serve immediately for the best texture and flavor.