Bhutanese Yak Curry (Tshamtsho)
A hearty and flavorful curry made with tender yak meat, slow-cooked with aromatic spices and often served with red rice. This dish is a staple in regions where yak herding is common.
🧂 Ingredients
- 500 g Yak meat(cubed)
- 2 medium Onions(chopped)
- 3 medium Tomatoes(chopped)
- 4 cloves Garlic(minced)
- 1 inch Ginger(grated)
- 2-3 Green chilies(slit (adjust to taste))
- 1 tsp Turmeric powder
- 2 tsp Coriander powder
- 1 tsp Cumin powder
- 1 tsp Garam masala
- 3 tbsp Vegetable oil
- 2 cups Water
- to taste Salt
- for garnish Fresh cilantro
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Heat oil in a heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add chopped onions and sauté until golden brown.
- 2
Add minced garlic and grated ginger, and sauté for another minute until fragrant.
- 3
Stir in the chopped tomatoes and cook until they soften and break down, about 5-7 minutes.
- 4
Add the cubed yak meat to the pot and brown it on all sides.
- 5
Sprinkle in the turmeric powder, coriander powder, cumin powder, and salt. Stir well to coat the meat and vegetables.
- 6
Pour in the water, add the slit green chilies, and bring the mixture to a boil. Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and simmer for at least 1 hour and 15 minutes, or until the yak meat is tender.
- 7
Once the meat is tender, stir in the garam masala and simmer for another 5-10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
- 8
Garnish with fresh cilantro before serving. Serve hot with Bhutanese red rice.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓Yak meat can be tough, so slow cooking is essential for tenderness.
- ✓Adjust the number of green chilies based on your spice preference.
- ✓If yak meat is unavailable, beef or lamb can be substituted, though the flavor will differ.
🔄 Variations
- Add cubed potatoes or radishes during the last 30 minutes of simmering.
- A splash of yak butter can be added at the end for richness.