Phak Sha Paa

Phak Sha Paa Recipe - Traditional Bhutanese Dish with Pork and Vegetables

Region / culture: Bhutan | Preparation time: 10 minutes | Cooking time: 1 hour and 30 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

Phak Sha Paa is a traditional Bhutanese dish that features tender pork stewed with bok choy and a flavorful blend of spices. This hearty and comforting dish is perfect for a cozy meal on a chilly evening.

History

Phak Sha Paa has been a staple in Bhutanese cuisine for generations. The dish is believed to have originated in rural villages, where pork and bok choy were readily available ingredients. Over time, the recipe has been passed down through families and has become a beloved comfort food in Bhutan.

Ingredients

1 medium onion (about 4 oz or 113 g), peeled and coarsely chopped
about 1 inch cube of fresh ginger, peeled and finely chopped
3 – 4 oz or 113 g daikon or white radish, peeled and thinly sliced
4 oz or 113 g unsalted butter
1 lb or 454 g boneless pork shoulder, cut into 6-inch pieces
0.5 cup water
2 tbsp chili powder
2 tsp salt
3 lb or 1.36 kg bok choy, stems removed and leaves cut into 0.5-inch pieces
1 large fresh green chili pepper, seeded and cut into julienne strips

How to prepare

Melt the butter in a large saucepan.
Add the pork, onion, daikon, water, chili powder, and salt. Simmer over low heat until the pork is just tender, approximately 1 hour and 20 minutes.
Meanwhile, cook the bok choy in a saucepan of boiling water until tender, about 5 minutes.
Drain the bok choy.
Add the ginger, bok choy, and chili pepper to the stew. Simmer over low heat for 5 to 10 minutes.

Variations

For a vegetarian version of this dish, you can substitute tofu or seitan for the pork. You can also add additional vegetables like carrots, bell peppers, or mushrooms for added flavor and texture.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

To ensure that the pork is tender and flavorful, be sure to simmer it slowly over low heat. This will allow the meat to absorb the spices and develop a rich, savory taste. Additionally, be sure to cook the bok choy separately to prevent it from becoming overcooked and mushy.

Serving Suggestions

Phak Sha Paa is traditionally served with steamed rice or Bhutanese red rice. The rice helps to soak up the flavorful stew and makes for a complete and satisfying meal.

Cooking Techniques

The key to making Phak Sha Paa is to simmer the pork slowly over low heat to ensure that it becomes tender and flavorful. Be sure to check on the stew periodically to prevent it from sticking to the bottom of the pot.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you can't find bok choy, you can substitute other leafy greens like spinach, kale, or Swiss chard. You can also use chicken or beef in place of the pork for a different flavor profile.

Make Ahead Tips

Phak Sha Paa can be made ahead of time and reheated before serving. Simply store the stew in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat it on the stovetop over low heat until warmed through.

Presentation Ideas

To make Phak Sha Paa look more visually appealing, you can garnish it with fresh cilantro, sliced green onions, or a sprinkle of sesame seeds. Serve it in a large bowl with a side of rice for a complete and satisfying meal.

Pairing Recommendations

Phak Sha Paa pairs well with a light and refreshing cucumber salad or a side of pickled vegetables. You can also serve it with a side of kimchi for a spicy and tangy contrast.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Leftover Phak Sha Paa can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply transfer the stew to a saucepan and warm it over low heat until heated through. You may need to add a splash of water to prevent it from drying out.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Phak Sha Paa contains approximately 350 calories. This makes it a moderate calorie dish that can fit into a balanced diet.

Carbohydrates

Phak Sha Paa is a low-carb dish, making it a great option for those following a carb-conscious diet. Each serving contains approximately 10 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

This dish is rich in fats, thanks to the use of butter and pork shoulder. Each serving contains approximately 20 grams of fat.

Proteins

Phak Sha Paa is a protein-packed dish, with each serving containing approximately 25 grams of protein. This makes it a satisfying and filling meal.

Vitamins and minerals

Bok choy is a great source of vitamins A, C, and K, as well as minerals like calcium and potassium. These nutrients help support overall health and well-being.

Alergens

This recipe contains dairy (butter) and pork, so it may not be suitable for those with dairy or pork allergies.

Summary

Overall, Phak Sha Paa is a nutritious and balanced meal that provides a good mix of protein, fats, and carbohydrates. It is a hearty and satisfying dish that is perfect for a comforting meal.

Summary

Phak Sha Paa is a delicious and comforting dish that is perfect for a cozy meal at home. With tender pork, flavorful spices, and nutritious bok choy, this dish is sure to become a new favorite in your recipe rotation. Enjoy!

How did I get this recipe?

I distinctly remember the first time I saw this recipe for Phak Sha Paa. It was many years ago when I was just a young girl living in a small village in Thailand. My grandmother, who was known for her amazing cooking skills, had just returned from a trip to a nearby village where she had learned this unique dish from a local chef.

As soon as she got back, she couldn't wait to try out the recipe and share it with our family. I watched in awe as she gathered all the ingredients and began to prepare the dish. The smell of the herbs and spices filled the air, and I couldn't wait to taste the final product.

As the dish cooked, my grandmother told me the story of how she had come across the recipe. She had met a kind old woman in the village who had been cooking Phak Sha Paa for her family for generations. The old woman had taken my grandmother under her wing and taught her the secret to making the dish just right.

I listened intently as my grandmother shared the details of the recipe with me. Phak Sha Paa was a traditional Thai dish made with pork, vegetables, and a blend of aromatic herbs and spices. The key to the dish, my grandmother explained, was in the slow cooking process which allowed the flavors to meld together perfectly.

After hours of simmering on the stove, the dish was finally ready. My grandmother served it up in bowls with a side of steamed rice. The first bite was like nothing I had ever tasted before. The flavors were rich and complex, with a perfect balance of sweet, savory, and spicy notes.

From that day on, Phak Sha Paa became a regular dish in our household. My grandmother would make it for special occasions and family gatherings, always receiving compliments on her cooking skills. I loved watching her prepare the dish, taking note of all the little details that made it so delicious.

Years passed, and I eventually grew up and moved away from home. But the memory of Phak Sha Paa stayed with me, and I knew that I had to learn how to make it myself. I reached out to my grandmother for the recipe, and she was more than happy to pass it down to me.

I practiced making Phak Sha Paa over and over again, honing my skills and perfecting the dish just like my grandmother had taught me. I experimented with different variations, adding my own twist to the traditional recipe while still staying true to its roots.

Now, whenever I cook Phak Sha Paa, I am transported back to those fond memories of my grandmother's kitchen. The aroma of the herbs and spices fills the air, and I can almost hear her voice guiding me through the recipe. It's a dish that not only tastes delicious but also holds a special place in my heart.

As I continue to pass down the recipe to future generations, I hope that they too will come to appreciate the rich history and flavors of Phak Sha Paa. It's a dish that represents the love, tradition, and connection that food can bring to a family. And for that, I am forever grateful to my grandmother for introducing me to this incredible recipe.