BEST of Bhutan food : Ema Datshi, the famous and fiery national dish of Bhutan!

Ema Datshi.

Read our previous posting: “Best of Benin food : Ago Glain with Pili Pili!”

BEST of Bhutan food : Ema Datshi, the famous and fiery national dish of Bhutan!

Bhutanese people like their food spicy and chilis seem to be part of every meal. Ema Datshi, the national dish, is a very spicy mix of chilis and the local cheese Datshi. Datshi is made from the non-fat part of the curd of cows or yaks (the fat portion is used to make butter).

Some say that if you have been to Bhutan but have not eaten ema datshi, then you have not been to Bhutan. This is probably true since ema datshi seems to be served at almost every meal in Bhutan and is widely available throughout the country.

A word of caution: if you are not used to hot spices, you might want to have a fire extinguisher handy, or some other form of quick relief, when you try out the Bhutanese ema datshi!

 

 

Photo LivingInShape.net

Ema Datshi Recipe from Kunzang Namgyel:

Ingredients

8 oz chillies (green and of medium hotness, cut lengthwise)*
1 onion, chopped lengthwise
2 tomatoes
8 oz Danish Feta cheese**
5 cloves of garlic, finely crushed
3 leaves of cilantro
2 tspn vegetable oil
4 cups cooked red or white rice

Directions

1. Put the chillies and chopped onions in a pot of water (about 12 ounces). Add the vegetable oil. Then boil on medium heat for about 10 minutes. Add tomato and garlic and boil for another 2 minutes.
2. Add cheese and let it remain for 2-3 minutes.
3. Add coriander and turn off the heat. Stir. Put a lid on the pot for another 2-3 minutes.
4. Serve on red or white rice.

1. This dish is REALLY HOT!
2. The cheese that is actually used cannot be found outside Bhutan. Farmers cheese or feta cheese are good substitutes.

Read our related posting: “Bhutan, land of Druk, the Thunder Dragon!”

Read our next posting: “Best of Bolivia food : Llama meat with Quinoa!”

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