Güveç (Turkish Clay Pot Stew) vs Pisto Manchego (Manchegan Ratatouille)

Both dishes share garlic, olive oil, zucchini, onion, tomato and bell pepper, yet treat them very differently. Güveç is a hearty, savory oven bake: cubed lamb, potato and eggplant are coated in tomato paste and dried thyme, topped with sliced tomatoes, baked covered until fork-tender, then uncovered so the top browns and caramelizes. Pisto is meatless and stovetop-cooked, slowly softening onion, then peppers and zucchini, in olive oil before simmering them with tomatoes until very tender. Its sweetness comes from that gentle sauté, with a pinch of sugar only if the tomatoes are very acidic.