Air-Fryer Bhutanese Ema Datshi Cheese Chilli Pots

Grand Tour Recipe

Air-Fryer Bhutanese Ema Datshi Cheese Chilli Pots

Make Air-Fryer Bhutanese Ema Datshi Cheese Chilli Pots with measured UK ingredients, practical air-fryer timings and bold Grand Tour flavour.

Ema datshi is Bhutan's famous chilli-and-cheese stew, where chillies are treated as the vegetable rather than a warning. The sauce is rich, salty and hot enough to make plain rice essential.

Heatproof pots let the chillies and onions soften before the cheese melts around them. A mix of mild green peppers and hotter chillies keeps the dish brave but still recognisable as dinner.

Air-Fryer Bhutanese Ema Datshi Cheese Chilli Pots
Air-Fryer Bhutanese Ema Datshi Cheese Chilli Pots preparation stage

You’ll Need

For the Chilli Pots
4 long mild green chillies, sliced lengthways
2 green finger chillies, sliced lengthways
1 green pepper, cut into strips
1 small onion, thinly sliced
2 tomatoes, cut into wedges
2 garlic cloves, finely grated
20g butter
80ml water
½ tsp sea salt

For the Cheese Sauce
150g feta, crumbled
120g mature Cheddar, grated
80ml whole milk

To Serve
Steamed red or basmati rice
Chopped coriander

Optional but Dangerous
Extra finger chillies
Fried eggs
Cold yoghurt

Method

Preheat your air fryer to 185°C.

Divide all the chillies, green pepper, onion, tomatoes and garlic between four heatproof pots.

Add the butter, water and salt.

Cover tightly with foil and air fry for 12 minutes.

Stir the vegetables and cook covered for a further 5 minutes until softened.

Mix the feta, Cheddar and milk.

Spoon the cheese mixture into the pots and stir gently.

Air fry uncovered at 175°C for 6-8 minutes until melted and bubbling.

Rest for 2 minutes so the sauce thickens slightly.

Serve over rice and finish with coriander.

Lad Tip: Choose most of the chillies for flavour and only a couple for violence. Ema datshi should make you sit up straight, not force everyone to abandon the building.

Get the free weekly recipe + weekend challenge.

Free weekly recipe. Weekend challenge. No nonsense.

By joining, you agree to receive AF-200 Crew emails, including occasional offers or affiliate recommendations. Unsubscribe any time. Privacy policy.