Green Papaya Salad

          This is a very healthy and a nutritious Thai style salad, prepared out of grated or shredded green papaya. The dressing has all the flavours and taste - spicy, salty, sweet and sour. Again there are many versions to this dish. 

          Today I prepared this salad by adding some sliced assorted Bell peppers, onion, sliced kaffir lime leaves, coriander leaves and crushed peanuts to the grated raw papaya. I gave a slight twist to it by adding some crushed spicy fried Bombay Duck instead of the usual shrimps. 

          The addition of the roasted peanuts and the Bombay Duck gave a crunchy effect to this dish. It can be made into a veg. version by simply omitting the Bombay Duck. It is a perfect light dinner option along with some clear soup for all the weight watchers.

• 1 & 1/2 cups green papaya, grated
• 3/4 cup assorted Bell peppers, sliced
• 1 onion, sliced
• handful of coriander leaves, chopped
• 3-4 kaffir lime leaves, finely sliced
• 2 tbsp. roasted peanuts, coarsely crushed
• 2 tbsp. spicy fried Bombay Duck, coarsely crushed (opt)
• 2 tbsp. vinegar
• 1 tsp. red chili powder
• salt to taste
• 1/2 tsp. sugar (opt)

          In a bowl, mix together vinegar, chili powder, salt and sugar, Keep aside. In a separate bowl, combine papaya, bell peppers, onion, coriander leaves, lime leaves and peanuts. 

          Sprinkle the crushed Bombay Duck. Just before serving, drizzle the dressing over it and serve.