Thailand Green Papaya Salad

(4 servings)

I usually add long green beans to this, but forgot to get them; I even had them on my shopping list.

3 small Thai chilies or 2 jalapeno peppers, seeded and chopped
2 small cloves of garlic, peeled
2 tbsp small dried shrimp
2-3 tbsp fish sauce
2-3 tbsp fresh lime juice
1-2 tbsp brown sugar, to taste

3 cups shredded green papaya
6 cherry tomatoes, cut up
1/2 green onion, chopped
3 tbsp fresh cilantro, chopped
1/4 cup peanuts

Pound together the chilies and garlic. Add the shrimp, fish sauce, lime juice and sugar. Combine until the sugar is dissolved. I also pound in a few slices of tomato at this point.

Place the papaya into a bowl and pour the sauce over it. Mix and gently pound a bit to crush and distribute the juices. Mix in the remaining tomatoes, onion, and cilantro. Toss the peanuts over the top.

Serve.