A savory and earthy mushroom sauté baked in individual casserole dishes with a thick layer of melting kashar cheese.
Servings 3people
Course Side Dish, Snack
Cuisine Turkish
Ingredients
14ozFresh mushrooms (Button or Cremini, sliced)
1largeYellow Onion, sliced into thin half-moons
2tbspItalian frying peppers or Cubanelle, chopped
1tbspGrated Tomato
1tbspTurkish red pepper paste (Biber salçası)
3tbspVegetable oil
½cupWarm water
1cupGrated Mozzarella or Kashar cheese
1tspAleppo pepper (or Red pepper flakes)
1tspPaprika (Sweet red pepper powder)
1tspDried oregano
½tspGround black pepper
Salt to taste
Equipment
Güveç (Clay Casseroles) or Ramekins: For that authentic, slow-baked presentation.
Wide Skillet: To sauté the vegetables and mushrooms without overcrowding the pan.
Cheese Grater: For a fresh, even layer of melting Kaşar.
Silicone Spatula: To ensure all that delicious "salça" sauce is scraped out of the pan and into the casseroles.
Method
Heat the vegetable oil in a wide pan over medium heat. Add the julienned onions and chopped peppers. Sauté until the onions are translucent and slightly softened.
Stir in the red pepper paste. Cook for 1-2 minutes until the paste smells fragrant and is well incorporated with the onions.
Add the grated tomatoes to the pan. Cook for 3–4 minutes until the tomato juice reduces slightly and forms a thick sauce.
Add the sliced mushrooms to the pan. Increase the heat slightly and sauté for 5 minutes. The mushrooms will release some water; let them cook in their own juices for a moment.
Add the red pepper flakes, pepper powder, black pepper, and salt. Stir in the warm water and let the mixture simmer for 5 more minutes.
Stir in the dried oregano (kekik) just before removing from the heat to keep the aroma fresh.
Divide the mushroom mixture evenly into small individual clay casserole dishes (güveç) or one medium baking dish.
Generously cover the top of each dish with the grated kashar cheese.
Place the dishes in a preheated oven at 200°C (400°F). Bake for 15–20 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and has developed beautiful golden-brown spots.
For the best flavor, sauté the mushrooms over medium-high heat until they release their juices and turn golden brown before adding the vegetables. If you want a bit more "kick," a small pinch of Cayenne pepper can be added to the spice mix for an extra layer of heat that North American palates often enjoy.