Shamu Datshi
A comforting and flavorful Bhutanese mushroom and cheese stew, Shamu Datshi is a vegetarian delight that showcases the creamy texture of Bhutanese cheese and the earthy notes of mushrooms. It's a staple dish often enjoyed with red rice.
🧂 Ingredients
- 300 g Mushrooms(sliced (shiitake, button, or mixed))
- 150 g Bhutanese cheese (Datshi)(grated or crumbled (or substitute with processed cheese like American cheese or a mix of mozzarella and cheddar))
- 1 medium Onion(finely chopped)
- 3 cloves Garlic(minced)
- 2-3 large Green chilies(slit or chopped (adjust to spice preference))
- 1 tbsp Butter
- 1.5 cups Water
- to taste Salt
- 1/4 tsp Black pepper
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Add chopped onion and sauté until translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
- 2
Add minced garlic and green chilies. Sauté for another minute until fragrant.
- 3
Add the sliced mushrooms and cook until they release their moisture and start to soften, about 5-7 minutes.
💡 Tip: Stir occasionally. - 4
Pour in the water and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Season with salt and black pepper.
💡 Tip: Start with a small amount of salt as cheese can be salty. - 5
Gradually add the grated or crumbled cheese, stirring continuously until it melts and creates a creamy sauce. Do not boil vigorously after adding cheese.
💡 Tip: Stirring constantly prevents the cheese from clumping. - 6
Simmer for another 5-10 minutes, allowing the stew to thicken slightly and the flavors to meld.
- 7
Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary. Serve hot with Bhutanese red rice.
💡 Tip: Can be garnished with a pinch of chili powder for extra color.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓If using authentic Bhutanese cheese, it can be quite spicy, so adjust chilies accordingly.
- ✓For a milder version, remove the seeds from the green chilies.
- ✓Ensure the heat is low when adding cheese to prevent it from separating.
🔄 Variations
- Add other vegetables like spinach or cauliflower florets.
- A splash of milk can be added for a creamier consistency.
- For a richer flavor, a small amount of finely chopped ginger can be included with the garlic.