Bhutanese Ema Datshi (Chili and Cheese Stew)

Ema datshi is Bhutan’s beloved chili-and-cheese stew, a warming everyday dish often served with Bhutanese red rice.

Gentle simmering softens the chilies while the cheese melts into a creamy, savory sauce with plenty of character.

Use a mix of mild and hot chilies if you want the cheese sauce to stay balanced rather than fiery.

Serving Suggestions

Serve hot over Bhutanese red rice or another nutty whole-grain rice, with fresh cilantro on the side.

Recipe Notes

For a milder version, remove some chili seeds. Farmer cheese, feta, or a mild melting cheese can stand in for traditional yak cheese.

Bhutanese Ema Datshi (Chili and Cheese Stew)

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A creamy Bhutanese stew of chilies and melted cheese, served with nutty red rice.

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Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 25 minutes mins

Total Time 40 minutes mins

Servings: 4 servings

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: Bhutanese

Calories: 470

Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients

 

US CustomaryMetric

 

1x2x3x?

Ema Datshi

• 8 whole green chilies, halved lengthwise
• 4 whole red chilies, halved lengthwise
• 1 medium yellow onion, thinly sliced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 cups water
• 1 tbsp neutral oil
• 8 oz farmer cheese, crumbled
• 4 oz mild mozzarella, shredded
• 1 tsp fine salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper

To Serve

• 4 cups cooked Bhutanese red rice
• 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped optional garnish

Equipment

• Heavy saucepan
• Chef’s knife
• Wooden spoon

Method

 

Build the Stew:

1. Heat the oil in a heavy saucepan over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic and cook for 3 minutes until softened.
2. Add the green and red chilies, water, salt, and pepper. Bring to a gentle simmer, cover, and cook for 12 minutes until the chilies are tender.

Finish and Serve:

1. Stir in the farmer cheese and mozzarella. Simmer uncovered for 7 to 10 minutes, stirring gently, until the cheese melts into a creamy sauce.
2. Taste and adjust the seasoning. Spoon the ema datshi over red rice and finish with cilantro.

Nutrition

Calories: 470kcalCarbohydrates: 48gProtein: 22gFat: 22gSaturated Fat: 11gCholesterol: 45mgSodium: 760mgFiber: 4gSugar: 7g

Notes

• Keep the stew at a gentle simmer so the cheese melts smoothly.
• Adjust the chili mix to suit your heat preference.