Creamy Bhutanese Ema Datshi with Yak Cheese

Name: Creamy Bhutanese Ema Datshi with Yak Cheese
Prep time: 1 h
Cook time: 1 h
Total time: 1 h
Yield: 4
Cuisine: Main Course
Ingredients: 200g Yak cheese; 6 large chili peppers; 1 cup water; 2 tablespoons butter; 4 cloves garlic; 1 medium onion; Salt; Fresh cilantro leaves; Chopped green onions; Steamed jasmine rice

Bhutan’s fiery and cheesy national dish

Experience the warmth and richness of one of Bhutan's most beloved dishes, Ema Datshi. This recipe combines the unique flavor of yak cheese with the spice of chillies to create a delectably creamy and comforting stew.

1 h 10 min
4
Intermediate

Ingredients

For the Ema Datshi

200g Yak cheese

(or 100g feta + 100g Monterey Jack, crumbled)

6 large chili peppers

(green and red, sliced into rings)

1 cup water

2 tablespoons butter

4 cloves garlic

minced

1 medium onion

sliced

Salt

to taste

For the Garnish

Fresh cilantro leaves

Chopped green onions

For Serving

Steamed jasmine rice

Preparation

Preparing the Chilies

Slice the chili peppers

Slice the chili peppers into rings, removing seeds if you prefer less heat.

Be careful while handling chili peppers; wash hands thoroughly afterward. Mixing different types of peppers adds a beautiful color balance and flavor complexity.

Season

Add them to a bowl with a pinch of salt and set aside.

Prepping the Cheese and Vegetables

Crumble the cheese

Crumble the yak cheese into a mixing bowl, and set aside.

Slice onion & mince garlic

Slice the onions and mince the garlic.

Cooking Process

Simmer the Base

Heat the butter in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add the onions and garlic, cooking until the onions become translucent.

Simmering the base: 15 min at medium heat.

Build the Flavor

Introduce the sliced chilies and water, bringing the mixture to a gentle simmer.

Adding the chilies: 10 min at medium heat.

Incorporate the Cheese

Gradually add the crumbled cheese, stirring continuously until it melts and forms a creamy consistency.

Melting the cheese: 5 min at low heat.

Plating & Serving