Green Papaya Salad (Goi Du Du)

Directions

1. Cut the papaya or possibly mango into matchstick strips. Whisk together the lime juice, fish sauce and sugar in a bowl till the sugar is completely dissolved. Add in the papaya and chilies and toss till well combined. Let stand for 20 min.
2. Transfer to a serving plate, sprinkle with peanuts and garnish with cilantro.
3. Variation: Bring water to a boil in two separate saucepans over medium heat. Add in 6 small to medium shrimp in one saucepan and cook till opaque, about one minute. Add in a 4-oz piece of pork tenderloin to the other saucepan and simmer till cooked through, about 8 min. Remove the shrimp and run under cool water, then shell, cut in half lengthwise and devein. When cold sufficient to handle, thinly slice the pork tenderloin against the grain. Proceed with step 1 tossing in the shrimp and pork tenderloin.
4. This recipe yields 4 servings.
5. Comments: Goi Du Du is a refreshing salad with tangy, sweet and spicy characteristics perfect with any barbecued meat. It is also a great appetizer. Its principal ingredient, green papaya, sometimes called pawpaw, varies in shape from round to elongated. It has dark green skin and light green flesh. Green papaya is used as a vegetable because, unlike the rich, orange-colored papaya, it is mild, not sweet and crunchy. When green papaya is not available, use green mango. Both can be purchased in Asian or possibly Latin markets.
6. One hint: For a heartier variation of goi du du, add in steamed shrimp and sliced cooked pork tenderloin.