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Ema datshi (ཨེ་མ་དར་ཚིལ་; Wylie: e-ma dar-tshil ) is a spicy Bhutanese stew made from hot chili peppers and cheese. It is among the most famous dishes in Bhutanese cuisine, recognized as a national dish of the country.

Different varieties of chilies may be used: green chili, red chili, or white chili (green chili washed in hot water and sun-dried), which may be dried or fresh. The chilies are called "sha ema" which is a Capsicum annuum cultivar, a form of pepper much like cayenne, poblano, ancho, or Anaheim. The cheese used in ema datshi is called datshi; it is usually made at home from the curd of cow's or yak's milk. In the process, the fat is removed from the curd to make butter, and the remaining curd without fat is used to make the cheese. After the cheese is made, the whey is left over, which is used as a soup that can be taken with rice. No part of the milk is wasted.

Etymology
Ema Datshi, identified as "ཨེ་མ་དར་ཚིལ་" in Dzongkha (Wylie: e-ma dar-tshil). "Ema" means "chili" and "datshi" means "cheese" in the Dzongkha language. "Ema" is pronounced similar to "ay-ma," with the emphasis on the first syllable. "Datshi" is pronounced as "da-chee," with a soft "ch" sound and emphasis on the second syllable.

History
Ema Datshi has its roots from the Tibetan cuisine, which was gradually adapted and evolved according to their homegrown produce. Ema Datshi is seen everywhere in Bhutan from home to restaurants. Prior to the arrival of chilies in the country, Bhutanese people used a plant called “namda” for seasoning. Chilli was possibly brought to the country by Indian pilgrims in the later years.

Varieties
Any kind of datshi can be made using any vegetable or meat products. Popular variations of this dish include kewa datshi (potato version), shakam datshi (dried beef version), semchung datshi (beans version) and shamu datshi (mushroom version).” Kewa datshi is a variation of the ema datshi, where potatoes replace chili peppers as the main ingredient. Semchung datshi is another vegetarian version of ema datshi where beans replace chili peppers as the main ingredients. Shamu datshi is a milder version of ema datshi, where mushrooms replace chili peppers as the main ingredient. Shakam ema datshi is the meat version of ema datshi that uses beef as the main ingredient.

Ingredients
The ingredients used in ema datshi are chilies, spring onions, farm cheese, vegetable oil and salt. In kewa datshi the ingredients used are potatoes and datshi (Bhutanese cheese). The potatoes which are first boiled and then added to the dish after. In shamu datshi the main ingredients are mushroom and datshi (Bhutanese cheese). Varieties of mushrooms can be used depending on availability and preference. Local wild mushrooms are preferred to have a more genuine flavour. In shakam datshi the main ingredients are datshi (Bhutanese cheese) and shakam (dried beef).

Preparation method
Ingredients:

120g fresh green chilies

32g Spring Onions

140g farm cheese

25ml vegetable oil

6g salt to taste

40ml Water Preparation time: 4 minutes | cooking time: 6-10 minutes | servings: 4 Rinse the vegetables and cut the chilies half lengthwise. Chop the spring onions into thin slices. After preparing all the ingredients add all the ingredients in the pot. Add one quarter cup of water, 6g of salt and 25ml oil into the pot. Over low heat cook and bring into simmer until the chilies are fully cooked. Add butter (optional) and cheese on top of the ingredients. Cover the pot and simmer until the cheese melts. Turn off the gas and remove the lid and stir until fully mixed.

Serving
Ema datshi (chilies and cheese) is often served as a main course, accompanied by red rice and other Bhutanese dishes like phaksha paa (pork with red chilies) or jasha maroo (spicy chicken curry). Kewa datshi (potato version) is typically served as a side dish to complement other Bhutanese main courses. It's also part of the staple diet in Bhutanese cuisine. Shamu Datshi (mushroom version) is usually served as a main course, accompanied by red rice or other traditional Bhutanese grains. It may be paired with side dishes like Khur-le (buckwheat pancakes) or traditional salads. Shakam ema datshi (dried beef version) is often served as a main course, accompanied by traditional Bhutanese staples like red rice. It can also be complemented with side dishes such as buckwheat pancakes (khur-le) or Bhutanese salads. Phaksha paa (dried pork version) is usually served as a main course, accompanied by traditional Bhutanese staples like red rice. It may be served with side dishes such as Buckwheat Pancakes (khur-le) or Bhutanese salad.

Health and Nutritional facts
Serving size – 1 bowl (300 g)

Calories – 275 cal, Fat – 18 g, Saturated fat – 11.3 g, Sodium – 850 mg, Total carbohydrates – 14 g, Sugars – 8 g, Protein – 14 g

Ema datshi is extremely high in fats, especially saturated fats and is also rich in sodium making the dish unsuitable for people suffering with cardiovascular diseases and hypertension. The dish also increases the chance of blockages in heart. Additionally people who are obese should avoid this dish. A healthier variant can be made using less cheese or low fat feta which not only reduce the fat but also reduce its calorific value. The Chilli used in this dish has numerous health benefits such as helping to regulate blood sugar levels and also help boost circulation and clear any kind of congestion. Hypertensive patients should use low salt feta. This kind of cheese is a very good source of calcium and is beneficial for women because it is a good source of protein for children, old people and body builders.