Ema Datshi with Pork
A variation of the national dish Ema Datshi, this version incorporates tender pieces of pork, making it a more substantial and flavorful meal. It's a spicy, cheesy stew that is a staple in Bhutanese cuisine.
🧂 Ingredients
- 200 g Pork Belly(cut into bite-sized pieces)
- 6-8 large Green Chilies(chopped, adjust to spice preference)
- 1 medium Onion(sliced)
- 2 medium Tomatoes(chopped)
- 150 g Bhutanese Cheese (Datshi)(crumbled or grated, can substitute with farmer's cheese or paneer)
- 4 cloves Garlic(minced)
- 1 inch piece Ginger(grated)
- 2 cups Water
- to taste Salt
- 1 tbsp Oil
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Heat oil in a pot over medium-high heat. Add pork belly pieces and sear until browned on all sides.
- 2
Add sliced onion, minced garlic, and grated ginger to the pot. Sauté for 3-5 minutes until fragrant.
- 3
Stir in the chopped green chilies and cook for 2 minutes.
- 4
Add the chopped tomatoes and cook until they soften and start to break down, about 5 minutes.
- 5
Pour in 2 cups of water, bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 25-30 minutes, or until the pork is tender.
- 6
Uncover and stir in the crumbled cheese. Cook, stirring frequently, until the cheese melts and the stew thickens.
💡 Tip: Keep stirring to prevent the cheese from sticking to the bottom of the pot. - 7
Season with salt to taste. Simmer for another 5 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓Use a good quality pork belly with a good fat-to-meat ratio for best results.
- ✓If the stew becomes too thick, add a little more hot water.
- ✓This dish is best served piping hot with Bhutanese red rice.
🔄 Variations
- Add a few slices of bell pepper for extra color and flavor.
- For a less spicy version, use fewer chilies or a milder variety.