Ema Datse – Bhutanese Chiles and Cheese
Bhutan has a rich and unique cultural heritage that has largely remained intact because of its isolation from the rest of the world until recently. One of the main attractions for tourists is the country’s culture and traditions. Bhutanese tradition is deeply steeped in its Buddhist heritage. Due to its largely unspoiled natural environment and cultural heritage, Bhutan has aptly been referred to as “The Last Shangri-La.”
When our guest blogger Anne Parker, ex-Portlander who now lives in Vietnam, visited Bhutan recently, she loved the food. One of her favorites was Ema Datse known as the national dish because it is served so frequently with almost every meal. Anne said that the family she stayed with was very surprised to see her eat and enjoy it. Many western visitors find it too hot. It is pretty hot but very delicious. Watch for it often on specials menu this month. If you can take the heat, you’ll be richly rewarded with incredible flavor.
Since we couldn’t find some of the ingredients in the Portland area, most especially the Bhutanese cheese, we’ve adapted the recipe to use easily obtainable local ingredients. Please find the recipe below:
2-4 servings as appetizer or side dish.
4 large Jalapenos – stemmed & sliced in ¼, length wise.
1 large yellow onion – cut in ½ inch strips
4 large cloves garlic – sliced thin
Heat butter until just melted on HIGH heat. Add Jalapenos, onions and garlic. Cook until tender and onions are lightly browned (2 to 3 minutes). Reduce heat and add:
1 large tomato – cut in ½ and sliced into 6 wedges per ½
4 oz crumbled feta cheese
2 oz. cream cheese
2 oz shredded Monterey Jack cheese
1/3 cup half & half
Salt and pepper to taste.
2 -3 tbl roasted pumpkin seeds (if desired)
Thank you for this – I've just returned from Bhutan and loved ema datse – happy to have found a recipe!
Same here; I just returned last week and have to learn how to make it.