Authentic Bhutanese Ema Datshi Recipe: A Fiery Delight

Ingredients

  • 3 large Bhutanese chilies
  • 1 large onion
  • 1 large tomato
  • 3 cloves of garlic
  • 1/2 cup of cheese (preferably Bhutanese cheese)
  • 1/2 cup of water
  • 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil
  • Salt to taste

Steps and instructions

  1. Chop the Bhutanese chilies, onion, tomato, and garlic finely.
  2. Heat the vegetable oil in a pan over medium heat.
  3. Add the chopped onions and garlic to the pan. Sauté until they turn light brown.
  4. Add the chopped chilies and tomatoes to the pan. Mix well and cook for 5 minutes until the tomatoes are soft.
  5. Add the cheese and water to the pan. Stir until the cheese has entirely melted and mixed with the other ingredients.
  6. Sprinkle some salt to taste, then stir the mixture again.
  7. Cook the mixture for another 5 minutes until it thickens to your desired consistency.
  8. Your Emadatse is ready to be served. Enjoy it with red or white rice.

Tools for making

Recipe variations

  • Use different types of chilies for varying levels of spiciness, such as jalapenos or serrano peppers.
  • Add other vegetables like bell peppers, carrots, or peas for added flavor and texture.
  • Experiment with different types of cheese, such as cheddar, mozzarella, or feta, for a unique twist.
  • For a meaty version, add cooked chicken, beef, or shrimp to the dish.
  • Make it vegan by substituting the cheese with a plant-based alternative like tofu or nutritional yeast.
  • Add spices like cumin, paprika, or turmeric to enhance the flavor profile.
  • For a creamier consistency, you can use coconut milk or cream instead of water.
  • Garnish with fresh herbs like cilantro or basil for an added burst of freshness.

Recipe overview

Emadatse is a traditional Bhutanese dish known for its comforting and invigorating flavors. This recipe combines the heat of Bhutanese chilies with the creaminess of cheese, providing a delightful contrast that is sure to tantalize your taste buds. The added flavors of onion, garlic, and tomato give the dish a rich and savory taste that you won't be able to resist. Preparing Emadatse at home is a simple task that requires just a few ingredients and steps. In just about 20 minutes, you can have a warming and delicious meal ready to be enjoyed. So why wait? Bring a taste of Bhutan to your kitchen with this wonderful and easy-to-follow Emadatse recipe.

Common questions

  1. Can I use a different type of chili? Yes, you can use any type of chili that you prefer or have available. However, Bhutanese chilies are traditionally used in Emadatse for an authentic flavor.
  2. Is Bhutanese cheese necessary? Bhutanese cheese is preferred for its unique taste and texture. However, if you cannot find Bhutanese cheese, you can substitute it with any cheese that melts well.
  3. What can I serve Emadatse with? Emadatse is usually served with red or white rice, which complements its flavors well. However, you can also enjoy it with other grains or bread if you prefer.
  4. Can I adjust the spiciness of Emadatse? Yes, you can adjust the spiciness according to your taste. Adding or reducing the amount of chili used will alter the level of spiciness in the dish.
  5. Is Emadatse vegetarian? Yes, Emadatse is a vegetarian dish, as it primarily consists of chilies, onions, tomatoes, and cheese.

Serving dishes and utensils

  • Cutting board - A sturdy surface for chopping and preparing the ingredients.
  • Knife - To chop the chilies, onion, tomato, and garlic.
  • Pan - To sauté the ingredients and cook the Emadatse mixture.
  • Stirring spoon - To mix the ingredients while cooking.
  • Cheese grater - If using a block of cheese, a grater may be needed to grate the cheese.
  • Salt shaker - To sprinkle salt to taste.
  • Serving bowl - To present and serve the Emadatse.
  • Serving spoon - To serve the Emadatse onto plates or bowls.

Origin stories

Emadatse, the national dish of Bhutan, is a fiery blend of chilies and cheese. Known as the land of thunder dragon, Bhutan's cuisine is a testament to its vibrant culture and tradition. Emadatse, specifically, reflects the Bhutanese people's love for chilies, which they consider a vegetable rather than just a spice. It is said that Bhutanese farmers would compete to grow the spiciest chilies, and the dish was born out of this competition and the need to stay warm in the cold mountainous region. The dash of cheese added to balance the heat later became an integral part of the dish, contributing to its unique taste. Today, no meal in Bhutan is complete without a serving of Emadatse, a taste of the country's fiery spirit.

Disclaimer: This recipe was not created by humans and we cannot ensure that it will turn out as expected. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this recipe (including steps, ingredients, nutritional information, and all sections on this page). You should check to make sure you are not allergic to any ingredients and take safety precautions while making this. The images on this page are generated by AI and may not accurately represent the result of making this recipe.