Ema Datshi (Bhutanese Chilies in Cheese Sauce)
Local name: ཨེ་མ་དར་ཚིལ་
In short: Fresh green chilies simmered with onion, tomato and soft cheese into a creamy, fiery stew. Bhutan's national dish, eaten with red rice. It takes about 35 min in total and makes 4 servings.
- Prep
- 15 min
- Cook
- 20 min
- Total
- 35 min
- Servings
- 4
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Calories
- 250 kcal
Ema datshi is eaten in almost every Bhutanese home, usually daily. Ema means chili and datshi means cheese, and in this stew chilies are the vegetable, not the seasoning. Soft farm cheese melts into a salty, creamy sauce that carries the heat. Served with red rice, it is a complete meal, and the cheese and rice soften the fire. This version lets you control the heat.
Instructions
- Heat the oil in a wide saucepan over medium heat and cook the onion and garlic for 3 minutes until soft.
- Add the chilies, tomatoes and water. Bring to a boil, cover and simmer for 8 minutes until the chilies are just tender.
- Scatter in the feta and cheddar. Do not stir at first. Cover and cook for 5 minutes until the cheese has melted into the liquid.
- Stir gently, taste and cook uncovered for 2 to 3 minutes more if you want a thicker sauce. The cheese is salty, so add salt only if needed.
- Serve at once, spooned over or next to red rice.
Tips
- Datshi is a fresh, crumbly farm cheese that is hard to find abroad. A blend of feta for saltiness and mild white cheddar for creaminess is the usual substitute.
- To lower the heat, remove the seeds and white ribs of the chilies, or use milder peppers such as banana peppers and add a few hot ones for flavor.
Questions and answers
How spicy is ema datshi?
In Bhutan it is very hot, but the cheese softens it. At home, choose mild chilies and remove the seeds for a gentle version.
What do you serve with ema datshi?
Red rice is the standard partner. Other dishes such as phaksha paa (pork with chilies) or a simple vegetable soup are often served beside it.
Can I make ema datshi ahead of time?
It is best fresh, as the cheese tightens when cold. Reheat gently with a splash of water.
How long does it take to make Ema Datshi (Bhutanese Chilies in Cheese Sauce)?
About 35 min in total: 15 min of preparation and 20 min of cooking.
How many calories are in Ema Datshi (Bhutanese Chilies in Cheese Sauce)?
About 250 kcal per serving, with 12 g of protein, 8 g of carbohydrates and 19 g of fat. These values are estimates.
Nutrition per serving
| Calories | 250 kcal |
|---|---|
| Protein | 12 g |
| Carbohydrates | 8 g |
| Fat | 19 g |
| Fiber | 3 g |
| Sugar | 5 g |
| Sodium | 600 mg |
Estimated values, calculated from the ingredients.
