Bhutanese Spicy Cheese Stew

Ingredients

• 10 green chilies, sliced 10 green chilies, sliced
• 2 red chilies, sliced 2 red chilies, sliced
• 200g (7oz) Bhutanese cheese, cubed 200g (7oz) Bhutanese cheese, cubed
• 1 onion, thinly sliced 1 onion, thinly sliced
• 3 cloves of garlic, minced 3 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1 tomato, diced 1 tomato, diced
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 1 teaspoon turmeric powder 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
• Salt to taste Salt to taste
• Water, as needed Water, as needed

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 250 kcal / 1046 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 18g, 10g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 10g, 5g
• Protein: 12g
• Fiber: 3g
• Salt: 1g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Heat the vegetable oil in a pan over medium heat.
2. 2.
   Add the sliced onions and minced garlic to the pan and sauté until golden brown.
3. 3.
   Add the sliced green chilies and red chilies to the pan and cook for a few minutes until they start to soften.
4. 4.
   Add the turmeric powder and diced tomatoes to the pan and cook for another 2-3 minutes.
5. 5.
   Add the cubed Bhutanese cheese to the pan and stir gently until the cheese starts to melt.
6. 6.
   Add water as needed to achieve the desired consistency of the stew.
7. 7.
   Season with salt to taste and simmer for 5-10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
8. 8.
   Serve hot with steamed rice or traditional Bhutanese red rice.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Bhutanese cheese — If you can't find Bhutanese cheese, you can substitute it with a mild and creamy cheese like Monterey Jack or Gouda.
• Green chilies — Adjust the number of green chilies according to your spice tolerance. You can also remove the seeds for a milder heat.
• Red chilies — Use red chilies with medium heat, such as Fresno or Cayenne, to add depth of flavor without overwhelming spiciness.
• Turmeric powder — Turmeric not only adds color but also has health benefits. Use a good quality turmeric powder for the best results.
• Steamed rice — Serve Ema Datshi with steamed rice to balance the spiciness and provide a satisfying meal.

Tips & Tricks

• For an extra kick, you can add a small amount of Bhutanese red chili powder to intensify the spiciness.
• If you prefer a creamier texture, you can blend a portion of the stew before adding the cheese.
• Adjust the amount of cheese according to your preference. More cheese will result in a thicker and richer stew.
• Leftovers can be refrigerated and reheated the next day, allowing the flavors to develop even further.
• Serve Ema Datshi with a side of Bhutanese pickles or a fresh salad to complement the spiciness.

Serving advice

Serve the Bhutanese Spicy Cheese Stew hot in individual bowls, accompanied by steamed rice or traditional Bhutanese red rice. Garnish with fresh cilantro leaves for a pop of color and added freshness.

Presentation advice

Present the Ema Datshi in a vibrant and colorful manner, showcasing the red and green hues of the chilies. Use traditional Bhutanese bowls or plates for an authentic touch. Consider adding a sprinkle of red chili flakes on top for an extra visual appeal.