Authentic Tibetan Phagshapa Recipe: A Flavorful Pork and Radish Stew

Ingredients

500 grams of pork belly
2 large radishes, peeled and cut into chunks
2 large potatoes, peeled and cut into chunks
2 large green chilies, sliced
1 large onion, sliced
4 cloves of garlic, minced
1 piece of ginger, about an inch long, minced
1 teaspoon of turmeric powder
Salt to taste
2 tablespoons of cooking oil
500 ml of water

Steps and instructions

Heat the cooking oil in a large pot over medium heat.
Add the sliced onion, minced garlic, and minced ginger to the pot and sauté until the onions become soft and translucent.
Add the pork belly to the pot and cook until it is browned on all sides.
Add the turmeric powder and salt to the pot and mix well to ensure all the pork is well coated.
Add the radishes, potatoes, and sliced green chilies to the pot and stir everything together.
Add the water to the pot, cover, and let everything simmer for about an hour or until the pork is cooked through and the vegetables are tender.
Adjust the seasoning if necessary, then serve the Phagshapa hot.

Tools for making

Large pot - used for cooking the Phagshapa
Knife - for slicing the radishes, potatoes, onions, and green chilies
Peeler - for peeling the radishes and potatoes
Cooking spoon - for stirring and mixing the ingredients in the pot
Measuring spoon - for measuring the turmeric powder and salt
Cutting board - for chopping and preparing the vegetables
Garlic press - for mincing the garlic cloves
Grater - for grating the ginger

Recipe variations

Vegetarian Option: Replace the pork belly with firm tofu or seitan for a meat-free version of Phagshapa.
Spicier Version: Increase the number of green chilies or add some red chili flakes to make the dish spicier.
Gluten-free Option: Use tamari or gluten-free soy sauce instead of regular soy sauce to make the recipe gluten-free.
Vegetable Variations: Experiment with different vegetables like carrots, bell peppers, or cabbage to add more variety and flavors.
Soy Sauce Substitute: Replace soy sauce with coconut aminos or liquid aminos for a different flavor profile.
Herb Infusion: Add herbs like cilantro, basil, or mint at the end to enhance the freshness and aroma of the dish.
Rice Vermicelli: Serve the Phagshapa over cooked rice vermicelli noodles for a hearty and satisfying meal.
Garnish Options: Top the dish with spring onions, sesame seeds, or crushed peanuts for added texture and visual appeal.

Recipe overview

Phagshapa is a traditional dish from the Himalayan kingdom of Bhutan, known for its rich and satisfying flavors. This hearty stew combines tender pieces of pork belly with radishes, potatoes, and green chilies, slowly simmered to perfection. The recipe is fairly simple to prepare, requiring just a single pot and about an hour of your time. The result is a mouthwatering dish with a wonderful blend of spiciness from the green chilies, sweetness from the radishes, and the umami of the pork belly. Expect a comforting, warming meal that's perfect for a cold winter day, but just as delicious any time of the year. Enjoy Phagshapa as a standalone meal, or serve it with rice for a more substantial dish.

Common questions

Can I use a different meat instead of pork belly? Yes, you can use other types of meat like pork shoulder or beef if you prefer. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly as different cuts of meat may require different cooking times.
Can I adjust the spiciness of the dish? Absolutely! If you prefer a milder taste, you can reduce the amount of green chilies or remove the seeds. Alternatively, if you enjoy spicy flavors, you can add more chilies or even include some dried chili flakes.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian? Yes, you can make a vegetarian version of Phagshapa by substituting the pork with tofu or seitan. Adjust the cooking time accordingly as vegetarian alternatives may require less time to cook.
Can I make Phagshapa in advance? Yes, you can make Phagshapa in advance. In fact, the flavors tend to develop and improve when the dish is allowed to rest for a few hours or overnight. Simply reheat it before serving.
Can I freeze Phagshapa? Yes, Phagshapa can be frozen. Allow it to cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container or freezer bags. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

Serving dishes and utensils

Large Pot - A large pot is needed to cook the Phagshapa along with all the ingredients.
Cooking Spoon - A cooking spoon is necessary for stirring and mixing the ingredients while cooking.
Knife - A knife is required for peeling and cutting the radishes, potatoes, onions, and ginger.
Cutting Board - A cutting board provides a surface for safely chopping and preparing the ingredients.
Measuring Spoons - Measuring spoons are useful for accurately measuring the turmeric powder and salt.
Tongs - Tongs can be used to handle and flip the pork belly while browning it.
Lid - A lid is needed to cover the pot and allow the ingredients to simmer and cook properly.
Plates and Bowls - Plates and bowls are necessary for serving the Phagshapa.

Origin stories

Phagshapa is a traditional dish from the Himalayan Kingdom of Bhutan. This simple and filling dish of pork, radish, and chilies reflects the country's geography and culture. Given Bhutan's high altitude and cold climate, hearty and warming dishes like Phagshapa are commonplace. Additionally, this dish mirrors the Bhutanese people's deep respect for nature and sustainable practices. Rather than wasting any part of the animal, the Bhutanese utilize the flavorful and fatty pork belly in this dish, making it a perfect representation of the country's cuisine. What makes it even more fascinating is that despite being a pork dish, it doesn't use any chili powder, which is unusual in Bhutanese cuisine, yet the dish and its unique flavor have carved their own niche in the country's gastronomic scene.

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.