Cooking Up Bhutan’s Ema Datshi: A Chef’s Adventure

When Deepika Padukone mentioned Ema Datshi, Bhutan’s national dish, in an interview, food enthusiasts everywhere took notice. As a chef who loves experimenting with recipes, I decided to give this intriguing dish a try. Here’s my experience with this spicy, cheesy delight.

Ingredients:

• 5-6 large green chili peppers (or a mix of green and red for color)
• 1 cup sliced onions
• 1 cup sliced capsicum (bell peppers)
• 2 slices of cheese
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup water
• 2 tablespoons oil
• Salt to taste

Instructions:

1. Prep the Ingredients: Slice the chili peppers lengthwise and remove seeds if you prefer a milder dish. Slice the onions and capsicum.
2. Cook the Veggies: Heat oil in a pan over medium heat. Add the onions, capsicum, and garlic, sautéing until they become translucent.
3. Add Chilies and Water: Add the chili peppers to the pan. Cook for about 5 minutes, then pour in the water and bring it to a boil.
4. Add Cheese: Reduce the heat and add the cheese slices. Stir well to combine.
5. Simmer: Let the mixture simmer for about 10 minutes until the cheese melts and the sauce thickens.
6. Season and Serve: Add salt to taste, give it a final stir, and your Ema Datshi is ready to serve. Enjoy it hot with rice.

The Experience:

Cooking Ema Datshi was a fun and flavorful adventure. The combination of spicy chilies, capsicum, and creamy cheese creates a unique taste that’s both comforting and exhilarating. It’s easy to see why this dish is a staple in Bhutanese cuisine.

Why You Should Try It:

• Unique Flavors: A delightful mix of heat from the chilies and capsicum and creaminess from the cheese.
• Cultural Exploration: A delicious way to experience Bhutanese culture right from your kitchen.
• Simplicity: Minimal ingredients and steps, yet packed with flavor.

So, if you’re looking to spice up your culinary collection, give Ema Datshi a try. Your taste buds will thank you, and you might just find a new favorite dish to share with friends and family.

== _{Anamika Chakravorty, Content Writer and Creator for SheSight Magazine Global, Chef, Dancer, Social Media Influencer & Life Coach…}