KARIDES GÜVEÇ(Turkish cheesy baked prawns)

The more I explore Turkish cuisine, the more I’m falling in love with it. Somewhere down the line I feel a connection. It’s easy and flavorful with easily available ingredients. And not to forget very kid friendly! My son just loved this dish. I stuffed the left over baked prawns in a burger bun for lunch box and he came home demanding the same  for next day. “Guvec” are the earthen pots in which traditional Turkish food is cooked and served. It’s ok if you don’t have it. I did the cooking in a normal vessel and finished off by baking it in a clay pot. The  prawns soak in the thick gravy which is basically a garlic-mushroom-tomato sauce. I paired it alongside Bazlama, which is a Turkish flat bread, that complimented the dish very well. Karides Guvec can be served as an appetizer, side for a mezze or as a meal on its own. It’s a sure winner! Here we go..

1. Preheat the oven.

2. In a deep pan, melt butter, sauté the mushrooms till they are soft.

3. Add the capsicum slices and sauté for few mins.

4. Add in the garlic, black pepper, chillies, tomatoes and salt.

5. Stir well and allow the mixture to get a saucy texture.

5. Take the pan off heat check the seasoning and toss in the prawns. Stir well.

6. Transfer the mixture to clay pot or oven proof dish. 

7. Cover the top generously with grated mozzarella. Sprinkle red chilly flakes, cilantro, thyme and  4 tsp butter dollops. 

8.  Bake in preheated oven for 10-15 mins or until the cheese has melted. ( Do not over bake, as the prawns will get rubbery). 

9. Serve hot with bazlama or any flat bread of your choice. Enjoy!