Under The Squash Vines

Gỏi Đu Đủ Chay: Papaya Salad

Ingredients:

For the toppings:

1 cup dried bean curds

3 cloves whole garlic

2 cloves whole shallots

1 tablespoon mushroom seasoning granules

Boil all ingredients in water until bean curds are hydrated and soft. Remove bean curds and shred thin like chicken.

For the salad:

1 very green papaya, shredded

2 medium carrots, shredded

1 onion, sliced thin

1 bunch Rau Răm (Vietnamese mint), chopped

1 bunch cilantro, chopped

1 bunch culantro, chopped

1 bunch Thai basils, chopped

1 red bell pepper, sliced

Toasted peanuts

For the soy sauce dressing:

1 bulb garlic, minced

5 Thai chili peppers, minced

4 tablespoons soy sauce

3 tablespoon sugar

1 tablespoon rice vinegar

1 lime, juiced

1 cup warm water

1 teaspoon sesame oil

Mix all ingredients together and adjust to taste. For best results, dissolve the sugar in the warm water first before adding other ingredients.

Instructions:

To make the salad, mix the bean curds and vegetables together in a bowl. Drizzle sauce on top. Top with toasted peanuts.