Welcome to the vibrant world of Bhutanese cuisine, where simple ingredients transform into extraordinary flavors! Today, we're diving into Shamu Datshi, a beloved healthy mushrooms recipe that's as comforting as it is exciting. This traditional Bhutanese dish, starring earthy mushrooms and a creamy, spicy cheese sauce, isn't just a culinary delight; it's also a fantastic healthy mushroom dish packed with goodness. If you're looking to explore new tastes while enjoying the incredible health benefits of mushrooms, then Shamu Datshi is your next must-try meal. We'll show you how to whip up this flavorful masterpiece, highlighting why mushrooms are good for health and how this dish can be a delicious part of your wellness journey. Get ready to impress your taste buds and nourish your body!
Ingredients
Directions
Prepare Mushrooms and Aromatics. Heat the healthy high heat cooking oil in a large pan or pot over medium-high heat. Add the sliced mushrooms and cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they release their moisture and start to brown. Remove the mushrooms from the pan and set aside. In the same pan, add the sliced onion and cook for 3-5 minutes until softened and translucent. Stir in the sliced green chilies and diced tomatoes, cooking for another 2-3 minutes until the tomatoes begin to break down.
Combine with Cheese. Return the cooked mushrooms to the pan with the onion, chilies, and tomatoes. Pour in the water or vegetable broth. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Reduce the heat to low, then gradually add the crumbled or cubed cheese, stirring constantly until the cheese melts and forms a creamy sauce. This step is crucial for achieving the perfect consistency without curdling.
Season and Serve. Stir in the turmeric powder and season with salt to taste. Continue to simmer gently for another 5-7 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken slightly. The texture should be creamy and rich. Remove from heat, garnish generously with fresh chopped cilantro, and serve immediately with red rice or flatbread.
Shamu Datshi - Your Healthy Mushroom Recipe
Serves: 4 People
Prepare Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 25 minutes
Calories: -
Difficulty:
Easy
Welcome to the vibrant world of Bhutanese cuisine, where simple ingredients transform into extraordinary flavors! Today, we're diving into Shamu Datshi, a beloved healthy mushrooms recipe that's as comforting as it is exciting. This traditional Bhutanese dish, starring earthy mushrooms and a creamy, spicy cheese sauce, isn't just a culinary delight; it's also a fantastic healthy mushroom dish packed with goodness. If you're looking to explore new tastes while enjoying the incredible health benefits of mushrooms, then Shamu Datshi is your next must-try meal. We'll show you how to whip up this flavorful masterpiece, highlighting why mushrooms are good for health and how this dish can be a delicious part of your wellness journey. Get ready to impress your taste buds and nourish your body!
Ingredients
Directions
Prepare Mushrooms and Aromatics. Heat the healthy high heat cooking oil in a large pan or pot over medium-high heat. Add the sliced mushrooms and cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they release their moisture and start to brown. Remove the mushrooms from the pan and set aside. In the same pan, add the sliced onion and cook for 3-5 minutes until softened and translucent. Stir in the sliced green chilies and diced tomatoes, cooking for another 2-3 minutes until the tomatoes begin to break down.
Combine with Cheese. Return the cooked mushrooms to the pan with the onion, chilies, and tomatoes. Pour in the water or vegetable broth. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Reduce the heat to low, then gradually add the crumbled or cubed cheese, stirring constantly until the cheese melts and forms a creamy sauce. This step is crucial for achieving the perfect consistency without curdling.
Season and Serve. Stir in the turmeric powder and season with salt to taste. Continue to simmer gently for another 5-7 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken slightly. The texture should be creamy and rich. Remove from heat, garnish generously with fresh chopped cilantro, and serve immediately with red rice or flatbread.
Recipe Nutritional Values
The following nutritional values are per serving (one piece of cake)
Calories
~320-380 per serving
Carbohydrates
~15-20g per serving
Protein
~20-25g per serving
Fat
~20-25g per serving
Additional Information
This healthy mushroom dish is a great source of dietary fiber, thanks to the generous amount of `mushrooms and fiber``, supporting `mushrooms for gut health``.
You'll also benefit from significant `mushroom vitamins and minerals`` like B vitamins, selenium, and potassium, alongside the `nutritional value of cheese`` which provides calcium and protein.
The inclusion of `mushrooms for health benefits`` makes this a healing and nourishing meal, contributing to overall wellness.
Recipe Success Tips
Pro Tips, Variations & Storage
Making Shamu Datshi is a delightful experience, and with a few pro tips, you can ensure it's perfect every time. To prevent the cheese sauce from curdling, always add the cheese gradually over low heat, stirring continuously. If you're using a very soft or delicate cheese, you might even turn off the heat briefly before stirring it in. Don't be shy about adjusting the seasonings; taste as you go! The spice level is entirely up to you – add more chilies if you love the heat, or deseed them for a milder flavor.
Ingredient Substitutions & Variations
Cheese Alternatives: While traditional Bhutanese Datshi cheese is best, it can be hard to find. A blend of mild cheddar and feta offers a good substitute, providing both creaminess and tang. For a `vegan option``, try using a good quality plant-based cheddar or mozzarella that melts well, combined with nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor boost.
Mushroom Variety: Feel free to experiment with your favorite mushrooms! Button, portobello, or even wild mushrooms can elevate the dish.
Spice It Up: Beyond green chilies, you can add a pinch of chili powder or a dash of Sichuan peppercorns for a different kind of kick. A hint of ginger or garlic can also be added with the onions for extra depth.
Cultural Variations
While the core of Shamu Datshi remains consistent, slight variations exist across Bhutanese households. Some prefer a thicker, stew-like consistency, while others enjoy a looser, saucier dish. The type and quantity of chilies also vary significantly, reflecting regional preferences for heat. Sometimes, a splash of milk or cream might be added for extra richness, though traditionally it's kept simpler. This dish is usually served with Bhutanese red rice, which offers a nutty counterpoint to the spicy, creamy sauce, but it's also delicious with plain white rice or even crusty bread.
Make-Ahead & Storage Instructions
Shamu Datshi is best enjoyed fresh, but leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. When reheating, do so gently over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth if the sauce has thickened too much. Avoid high heat, as it can cause the cheese to separate. Freezing is not recommended as the cheese sauce can become grainy upon thawing. If you want to get a head start, you can chop all your vegetables and mushrooms in advance and store them separately in the fridge.
Frequently Asked Questions
Ema Datshi, often considered Bhutan's national dish, is primarily made from chilies (ema) and cheese (datshi). Common additions include tomatoes, onions, garlic, and sometimes potatoes or green beans, but the core is always chilies and cheese.
Kewa Datshi is a delicious variation of the Datshi family, featuring potatoes (kewa) cooked with cheese (datshi) and chilies. It's a hearty and comforting dish, often seasoned simply with salt and sometimes a pinch of Sichuan pepper or ginger.
Making potato datshi (Kewa Datshi) is quite similar to Shamu Datshi! You'll typically boil or pan-fry sliced potatoes until tender. Then, you'll combine them with chilies, onions, and garlic, before stirring in the cheese until it melts into a thick, creamy sauce. Serve hot with rice!
Without a doubt, Ema Datshi (chilies and cheese) is the most famous and iconic dish in Bhutan. It's a staple in nearly every Bhutanese meal and reflects the country's love for spicy food and rich, cheesy flavors.
Recommended Kitchen Tools
- H2: Time-Saving Tools & Ingredients Life gets busy, but that doesn't mean you can't whip up a delicious and healthy mushroom dish like Shamu Datshi! Here are a few clever hacks and tools to get this meal on your table faster.
Kitchen Tool
Problem: Chopping all those mushrooms and other veggies can feel like a chore after a long day. Agitate: Who wants to spend precious evening minutes dicing when you could be relaxing or enjoying your meal? Solution: Invest in a good quality mandoline or a mini food processor. A mandoline can quickly slice mushrooms uniformly, while a food processor makes quick work of onions and garlic, saving your hands and your time!
Kitchen Tool
Problem: Finding fresh chilies can sometimes be a challenge, or you might want to avoid the mess of handling them. Agitate: Scouring multiple stores for that perfect chili, or dealing with spicy residue on your hands? No thanks! Solution: Keep a jar of good quality chili paste or frozen pre-chopped chilies in your pantry or freezer. They offer consistent heat and flavor without the fuss, making your Shamu Datshi prep a breeze.
Kitchen Tool
Problem: Melting cheese directly can sometimes lead to a curdled or lumpy sauce, especially with certain types of cheese. Agitate: You've put in the effort, and the last thing you want is a grainy, unappetizing texture in your beautiful dish! Solution: Use a heavy-bottomed pot and keep the heat low when adding the cheese. Alternatively, if you're extra worried, a double boiler can provide gentle, even heat, ensuring a smooth, creamy sauce every time.
Calories per Ingredient
Click any ingredient for detailed nutritional information:
Low
calories
Present
fat
Present
cholesterol-free
Good
protein
Nutritional Benefits:
Mushrooms are packed with B vitamins (riboflavin, niacin, pantothenic acid), selenium, copper, and potassiumThey are also rich in antioxidants, which can help protect your body from damageMushrooms for health benefits include supporting immune function and providing mushrooms and fiber for mushroom for gut health
Present
varies widely by type
High
protein
Present
fat
Present
vitamins
Present
a.
Nutritional Benefits:
Cheese is an excellent source of calcium, crucial for strong bones and teethThe protein content helps with muscle repair and satietyWhile some cheeses can be high in saturated fat, moderate consumption of a nutritional value of cheese can fit into a healthy mushrooms recipe diet
Low
calories
High
vitamin C
Nutritional Benefits:
Chilies are a fantastic source of Vitamin C, an essential antioxidant that supports the immune systemThey also contain capsaicin, the compound responsible for their heat, which has been studied for its potential to boost metabolism and offer pain relief
Low
calories
Good
fiber
Present
vitamin C
Nutritional Benefits:
Onions are rich in antioxidants, particularly quercetin, which has anti-inflammatory propertiesThey also provide prebiotics, a type of fiber that feeds beneficial gut bacteria, contributing to mushrooms for gut health when combined with other fibrous ingredients
Low
calories
Present
manganese
Present
vitamin B6
Present
vitamin C
Present
selenium
Nutritional Benefits:
Garlic is renowned for its immune-boosting properties, primarily due to compounds like allicinIt's also known to have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects, making it a powerful addition to any healthy mushroom dish
High
healthy monounsaturated
Present
fat
Nutritional Benefits:
Using a healthy high heat cooking oil ensures your dish is cooked efficiently without breaking down beneficial compoundsOils like avocado or grapeseed are rich in heart-healthy fats, which are essential for nutrient absorption and overall well-being
Hey there! I’m just someone who seriously loves good food and believes that cooking doesn’t have to be complicated to be amazing. Whether it’s a quick weeknight dinner or a cozy weekend meal, I’m all about sharing easy, tasty recipes that actually work.