Papaya Melon Salad Thai Style with Soy Steamed Peanuts
By Chef Ranveer Brar Darpan, 17 Jul, 2024
Ingredients:
1 cup papaya, small scoop
1 cup melon, small scoop
1 cup watermelon, small cubes
1 tbsp basil leaves, julienne
1 tbsp coriander, chopped
For Thai dressing:
2 tbsp fresh lime juice
1 tsp lemon rind
2 tbsp honey
¼ cup rice vinegar
1 tsp fish sauce/soy sauce
1 tsp fresh ginger, grated
1 fresh red chili, chopped
1 tsp roasted sesame seeds
For soy steamed peanuts:
2 cups peanuts, soaked overnight and drained
1 tsp fresh red chillies, chopped
1 tbsp garlic, chopped
1 tsp ginger, chopped
½ tbsp celery, chopped
1 medium onion, chopped
1 tbsp soy sauce
1 tbsp Thai red curry paste
2 tsp five-spice powder
1 tbsp coriander leaves, chopped
1 tsp rice vine vinegar
1 tsp brown sugar
Juice of ½ lime
Salt to taste
Preparation
Scoop out balls of all the fruits using a small scoop. Keep aside.
In a small pan, add rice wine vinegar and a little water, and bring it to a boil. Now add fresh red chilli and ginger. When reduced, keep aside to cool down and strain.
In a mixing bowl, add vinegar, fish sauce, lemon rind, lime juice, sesame seeds and honey. Mix well.
Toss fruit balls in dressing and sprinkle basil julienne and stir gently. Serve chilled.
For steamed peanuts:
Soaked peanuts in water overnight. Wash and drain water completely.
In a bowl, add all spices and sauces and mix well. Put this mixture on a banana leaf and fold into a parcel.
Place it in a steamer and steam for about 20 minutes.
Serve a small quantity in bowl and top with chopped coriander leaves.
In Goa, you will often find it made with spicy sausage and red kidney beans. My own recipe below combines slow-roasted pork loin meat with spicy sausage and haricot beans.
In a large warm plate, spoon a streak of grilled tomato chutney in the centre. Place the fish on top. On the side of the fish, place a quenelle of crushed peas. Place the chilli jam dressed cucumber and tomato salad. Serve immediately.
