This Som Tam recipe allows you to make this popular Thai salad easily, without any need for pounding. I like pestle & mortars, don't get me wrong, but sometimes when I'm using one, I feel a little like a cave woman making her man's supper. It can be fun sometimes, but other times I just find it messy and a lot of work. I know how to make it the traditional way, and how not to - and there is very little difference in the taste if any at all.