Tagine Is A Moroccan Miracle Pot

Marko Balašević Author: Marko Balašević Time for reading: ~6 minutes Last Updated: November 29, 2022
Tagine Is A Moroccan Miracle Pot

This strange and exotic kitchen appliance with an unusual name is not often found in the arsenal of our housewives. Although tagine has been used in different countries of the world for several centuries.

This strange and exotic kitchen appliance with an unusual name is not often found in the arsenal of our housewives. Although tagine has been used in different countries of the world for several centuries.

Where did tajin come from?

Once upon a time , tagine appeared in the north of Africa, in the countries of the Maghreb. Then it quickly migrated to Europe, conquering cooks with its unusual abilities so much that they began to call all dishes prepared in this dish as tagine .

 

Today, tagine is a real culinary symbol of Morocco, where all dishes with its participation are prepared exclusively on smoldering coals. Recently, our stores have also had the opportunity to purchase this symbol of Moroccan cuisine.

The secret of the Moroccan pot

From the outside , a tagine is a ceramic or cast-iron pot with a conical lid. For convenience, the lid has a handle. With a small indentation in which you can put a spoon, as well as a small hole designed for the release of steam. Thanks to this hole, the liquid formed during cooking will not leak out.

The secret of the taste of the prepared dishes is hidden precisely in the elongated lid. Condensate, which is formed during the cooking process, thanks to the design of the tagine , accumulates in the upper part of the cone, and then flows down the walls to the bottom of the lower container. This cycle is repeated again and again, creating the most optimal microclimate inside the tagine . The constant heating of the bottom and the circulation of steam, saturated with the aromas of spices and herbs, guarantee a special taste of food.

Vegetables and meat are most often cooked in a tagine , which always turns out soft and juicy in such an exotic pot, regardless of its hardness. Meat is usually cut into very large pieces. The cooking time of the dish depends on the products used, some say that, for example, lamb should be cooked for several hours. In fact, tagine makes it possible to prepare national dishes of all peoples of the world, as long as the recipe involves stewing or baking. And if you are a fan of such dishes, then tajin is a find for you.

 

What tagine to buy

When choosing a tagine , you must pay attention to its parameters. In particular:

  • The diameter of the bottom is a very important parameter that will help you choose cookware for the size of the stove.

  • The height of the lid is approximately the same for all types, it may differ by 1-2 cm.

  • Capacity - it usually ranges from 1.5 to 3.5 liters. If you have a large family or you are going to cook for guests, a larger dish is definitely suitable .

Tagine is made from heat-resistant ceramics and high-quality cast iron. There are models that combine these materials, that is, the bottom is made of cast iron, and the lid is ceramic. The latest modern type of tagine is made of silicone and, according to the manufacturers, it is not inferior to its heavy brothers. Such dishes can withstand temperatures up to 200 degrees, suitable for ovens and microwaves. The main advantage of such tagine is the convenience of its storage in a small kitchen.

It is difficult to find customer reviews about silicone tagine at the moment, since it is a completely new cookware on the market, so it is worth focusing on the features of the traditional tagine .

Ceramic or cast iron

What is the special feature of using a ceramic tagine ? In the process of operation, it is important to remember that tagine cannot be placed on a heated stove. It is necessary to first put the dishes on the burner, turn it on at low power, and then gradually increase the temperature. If you do not follow this recommendation, after some time the tagine will be covered with a network of numerous cracks, which will deteriorate its properties and appearance. After all, careful use is the main rule of using ceramic pots. Ceramic tagine can be washed by hand or in the dishwasher, without fear that the dishes will lose their color.

Cast iron tagine is good in that the lower part can be used as a frying pan. The prepared meat is pre-fried directly in the base of the tagine , and only then are other ingredients of the dish added, after which it is covered with a lid. Such dishes will serve for a long time. The type of plate does not matter. But it is worth remembering that:

  • Before the first use, the dishes must be washed with warm water and dried well.

  • You should never use detergents that can damage the integrity of the coating.

  • Cast iron utensils are not recommended to be washed in the dishwasher.

Some of the most popular manufacturers of this tagine are Emile Henry, Ceraflame, Appolia, and Le Creuset.

PREMIUM CHAPTERS ▼

Ethnic table decoration (PREMIUM)

Often the tagine itself is a decoration of the table, because the dish of the same name is served directly in it. There are many design solutions for the design of this dish . Here, of course, everything depends only on your preferences. You can choose an ordinary plain tagine , or buy a picturesque painted pot. The coating of dishes can be matte or glossy. Choose a tajin to your liking, and it will delight not only with the unique taste of dishes, but will also be a highlight on your table. Preparing tagine as a festive dish and serving it can become one of the original family traditions.

Advice from specialists (PREMIUM)

  • In order for the ceramic tagine to last longer, new dishes should be immersed in cold water for a day.

  • Buy a special tagine stand , which allows you to steam any dish, preserving all the vitamins and color of the products, and it will also expand the range of dishes.

  • Do not remove the lid from the tagine during cooking unless the recipe calls for it. The lid is removed immediately before serving the dish.

  • If you find yourself in the home of the tajine in Morocco and decide to buy tableware , be especially careful not to buy a decorative tagine that is only suitable for serving the table. Despite the original national drawings, this tagine cannot withstand high temperatures. Remember that a distinctive feature of a decorative tagine is the absence of a hole in the lid.

Are you ready to buy? (PREMIUM)

The cost of tagine , there is nothing to hide, is quite high. However, their happy owners confidently claim that it is better to try once than to hear a hundred times. Of course, there are as many people as there are opinions, but there is one good culinary tip. It turns out that if you are expecting guests, but you still have a lot to do, tagine can be prepared a day before the festive table. During this time, it will become even tastier and more aromatic.

 

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