Kewa Datshi is a quintessential Bhutanese dish celebrated for its rich, spicy flavor and comforting qualities. This hearty stew combines tender potatoes with crumbled Bhutanese cheese, known as Datshi, and is spiced with green chilies to create a warm, flavorful meal. Often enjoyed with Bhutanese red rice or steamed white rice, Kewa Datshi embodies the essence of Bhutanese cuisine and culture.
Kewa Datshi is a classic Bhutanese dish that combines tender potatoes with crumbled cheese (Datshi) and green chilies. This stew highlights Bhutan's traditional use of locally grown produce and dairy products, particularly cheese made from cow's or yak's milk. Potatoes, introduced to Bhutan in the late 18th century, became a staple due to their adaptability to the high-altitude environment. Kewa Datshi reflects Bhutanese culinary traditions and is often served during family gatherings and social events.
Ingredients:
1. 4 medium-sized potatoes, peeled and cubed
2. 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
3. 1 medium-sized onion, finely chopped
4. 2-3 green chilies, sliced
5. 2 tomatoes, chopped
6. 200 grams Bhutanese cheese (Datshi), crumbled
7. 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
8. 1 teaspoon red chili flakes (optional, for extra heat)
9. Salt to taste
10. Fresh cilantro leaves for garnish
Method:
1. Prepare the Potatoes: Boil the cubed potatoes in a saucepan with enough water to cover them until tender. Drain and set aside.
2. Sauté the Onion, Chilies, and Tomatoes: Heat vegetable oil in a skillet over medium heat. Sauté the chopped onion and green chilies until the onion becomes translucent and golden. Add the chopped tomatoes and cook until they soften.
3. Add the Potatoes and Spices: Incorporate the boiled potatoes into the skillet. Add turmeric powder, red chili flakes (if using), and salt. Stir and cook for about 5 minutes.
4. Incorporate the Cheese: Add the crumbled Datshi to the skillet. Stir gently until the cheese melts and blends with the potatoes and vegetables. Cook for an additional 3-4 minutes.
5. Garnish and Serve: Remove from heat, garnish with fresh cilantro leaves, and serve hot with Bhutanese red rice or steamed white rice.
Notes:
- Adjust the spice level by varying the amount of green chilies or red chili flakes.
- If Bhutanese cheese (Datshi) is unavailable, use a mix of sharp cheddar and feta cheese as a substitute.
- This recipe serves approximately 4 people and can be scaled according to your needs.
Nutrition Value:
1. 4 medium-sized potatoes, peeled and cubed
- Calories: Approximately 400 calories
- Carbohydrates: About 92 grams
- Protein: Roughly 10 grams
- Fat: Around 0.4 grams
- Sodium: About 20 milligrams
- Cholesterol: 0 milligrams
- Vitamins: High in Vitamin C and Vitamin B6
- Minerals: Rich in potassium and magnesium
- Nutritional Benefit: Potatoes are a good source of energy due to their high carbohydrate content and provide essential vitamins and minerals that support overall health, including heart and digestive health.
2. 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- Calories: Approximately 240 calories
- Carbohydrates: 0 grams
- Protein: 0 grams
- Fat: About 28 grams
- Sodium: 0 milligrams
- Cholesterol: 0 milligrams
- Vitamins: Minimal vitamins
- Minerals: Minimal minerals
- Nutritional Benefit: Provides essential fatty acids that are important for cell structure and energy, but should be used in moderation due to its high fat content.
3. 1 medium-sized onion, finely chopped
- Calories: Approximately 45 calories
- Carbohydrates: About 11 grams
- Protein: 1 gram
- Fat: 0.1 grams
- Sodium: 5 milligrams
- Cholesterol: 0 milligrams
- Vitamins: Good source of Vitamin C and some B vitamins
- Minerals: Contains potassium and calcium
- Nutritional Benefit: Onions provide antioxidants and compounds that can support heart health and help in reducing inflammation.
4. 2-3 green chilies, sliced
- Calories: Approximately 15 calories
- Carbohydrates: About 3 grams
- Protein: 0.6 grams
- Fat: 0.1 grams
- Sodium: 1 milligram
- Cholesterol: 0 milligrams
- Vitamins: High in Vitamin C
- Minerals: Contains potassium and magnesium
- Nutritional Benefit: Green chilies boost metabolism, provide antioxidants, and support immune function due to their high Vitamin C content.
5. 2 tomatoes, chopped
- Calories: Approximately 40 calories
- Carbohydrates: About 9 grams
- Protein: 2 grams
- Fat: 0.4 grams
- Sodium: 5 milligrams
- Cholesterol: 0 milligrams
- Vitamins: Rich in Vitamin C and Vitamin A
- Minerals: Contains potassium and folate
- Nutritional Benefit: Tomatoes provide antioxidants like lycopene, which support heart health and may reduce the risk of certain cancers.
6. 200 grams Bhutanese cheese (Datshi), crumbled
- Calories: Approximately 800 calories
- Carbohydrates: About 4 grams
- Protein: 50 grams
- Fat: 65 grams
- Sodium: 1200 milligrams
- Cholesterol: 200 milligrams
- Vitamins: Rich in Vitamin A and Vitamin B12
- Minerals: High in calcium and phosphorus
- Nutritional Benefit: Cheese is a good source of protein and calcium, supporting bone health and muscle function. However, it is high in fat and sodium.
7. 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
- Calories: Approximately 8 calories
- Carbohydrates: About 2 grams
- Protein: 0.2 grams
- Fat: 0.2 grams
- Sodium: 1 milligram
- Cholesterol: 0 milligrams
- Vitamins: Contains small amounts of Vitamin C
- Minerals: Provides iron and manganese
- Nutritional Benefit: Turmeric has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, which may help in reducing inflammation and supporting overall health.
8. 1 teaspoon red chili flakes (optional, for extra heat)
- Calories: Approximately 6 calories
- Carbohydrates: About 1 gram
- Protein: 0.3 grams
- Fat: 0.3 grams
- Sodium: 0 milligrams
- Cholesterol: 0 milligrams
- Vitamins: Contains Vitamin C
- Minerals: Provides iron and potassium
- Nutritional Benefit: Red chili flakes can boost metabolism and add flavor, while also offering some antioxidant and anti-inflammatory benefits.
9. Salt to taste
- Calories: 0 calories
- Carbohydrates: 0 grams
- Protein: 0 grams
- Fat: 0 grams
- Sodium: 2300 milligrams per teaspoon (varies by type of salt)
- Cholesterol: 0 milligrams
- Vitamins: 0 milligrams
- Minerals: Provides sodium
- Nutritional Benefit: Essential for fluid balance and nerve function, but excessive intake can lead to high blood pressure and other health issues.
10. Fresh cilantro leaves for garnish
- Calories: Approximately 1 calorie per tablespoon
- Carbohydrates: About 0.1 grams
- Protein: 0.1 grams
- Fat: 0 grams
- Sodium: 0 milligrams
- Cholesterol: 0 milligrams
- Vitamins: High in Vitamin K, with some Vitamin C and A
- Minerals: Contains small amounts of potassium and calcium
- Nutritional Benefit: Cilantro provides antioxidants, supports digestion, and adds a fresh flavor to dishes.
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