Lao-Style Papaya Salad

From Phuket Thai Restaurant, in Hawai'i.

• Ready In: 15 mins
• Serves: 4

Ingredients

• 1  medium garlic clove
• 2  medium  fresh  Thai chiles
• 2  cups  shredded papayas (Thai papaya recommended)
• 1 1⁄2 tablespoons fish sauce (nam pla)
• 1⁄2 teaspoon shrimp paste
• 1  teaspoon sugar
• 2  tablespoons fresh lime juice
• 4  cherry tomatoes, quartered lengthwise

Directions

1. Using a mortar and pestle, pound garlic and chiles until broken into small pieces.
2. Add remaining ingredients.
3. Use a spoon to scrape the sides of the mortar and turn the ingredients.
4. Pound the papaya until it is limp and soft.
5. Taste and adjust the seasonings to a balance of sour, hot, salt and sweet.
6. Garnish with fresh ongchoi, in 4-inch pieces.