What You Need to Know
The preparation of som tam involves pounding ingredients in a mortar and pestle to create a smooth consistency, with the acidity in the tomatoes and chilies helping to break down the starches in the papaya. The use of fermented fish sauce adds umami flavor and helps to balance the acidity in the dish.
Steps
- 1.
Som Tam Thai (Central Thailand): Showcases balance of sweet-sour-spicy flavors through pounding
- 2.
Tam Maak Hoong (Laos): Emphasizes fermented fish flavors with more intense pounding
- 3.
Tam Som-O (Northern Thailand): Adapts technique to pomelo instead of papaya
The Science
Primary Reaction
enzymatic breakdown of starches