Winter is a time when comfort food takes center stage, and this one is not to be missed! Ema Datshi, a simple yet flavorful dish from Bhutan, has captured the curiosity of food lovers across India and is a must-try for anyone who loves the ultimate combination of cheese and chili. It’s also no coincidence that this dish was ranked the 6th most searched recipe in Google India’s Year in Search 2024 report, showing how much its appeal has gone beyond its traditional roots.
Even Bollywood actor Deepika Padukone shared her love for the Bhutanese dish in an old Curly Tales interview, describing it as a cheesy version of Indian pickles. “I forget the name, but it is the national dish of Bhutan, made with chilies and cheese mashed into a puree. It is like the equivalent of ahaar which they eat with rice,” she said. A Bhutanese staple, the name translates to “pepper and cheese” in Dzongkha, and the recipe is just that: chilies cooked in a creamy cheese sauce. Its popularity in India is due to its warm, comforting aroma, perfect for the winter season, and its versatility – it can be paired with rice, bread or even enjoyed on its own.
How to do it:
Ingredients: 2 teaspoons oil, ½ teaspoon Szechuan pepper, 13 g garlic, minced, 160 g onion (½ large onion), sliced, 360 g chili pepper (stems removed, cut into strips), 160 g tomato, sliced, ½ tsp spoons of salt, 1 glass of water, 100 g cheese (feta, melted or any melting), 1 ½ tablespoons of butter (optional)
recipe: Heat the oil in a pan and fry the Szechuan pepper, garlic and onion until fragrant. Add the chilies, tomatoes, salt and water, then cover and cook for about 8 minutes or until the peppers are soft. Stir in the cheese, letting it melt completely into the sauce. For extra richness, add a small dollop of butter. Serve hot with Bhutanese red rice, steamed bread or even plain rice.
Whether you’re drawn to its creamy texture, savory punch or touching simplicity, Ema Datshi has all the makings of a perfect winter dish. Growing in popularity in India, this Bhutanese treasure proves that comfort food knows no boundaries.
