The Moroccan Tagine

Tagine is the Moroccan name for a cooking pot,one pot in particular has claimed this name as it's own. The Tagine is made from clay and has a conical lid. It comes in 100s of different sizes and shapes.
Tagines were originally and still today used by the Twarg. The Twarg people are nomads roaming the Moroccan desert.The tagines versatility makes it the ideal cooking implement,being a portable oven,cooking pot and serving dish all in one.The traditional way to cook with a tagine is on a charcoal brazier also made of clay.

The Tagines of today are normally glazed although you can still buy traditional clay Tagines,these are more rustic and need treating before use,to seal the pot and to take away the initial tase of earth.To do this you need a mixture of cooking oil and chopped onions,coat the inside of the Tagine with the mixture.Then leave about a 1/3 of a cup in the Tagine.
Place theTagine in the oven or hob, on a low flame and leave for 1-2 hours.Let the Tagine cool naturally.Never place a hot Tagine on a cold surface and always cook on a low heat.

The very nature of a Tagine is to cook slowly the conical lid acts like a oven to retain the heat,which not only prevents the food from drying out,but allows a slow infusion of flavors throughout the dish.Tagine cooking is by far the most simple and healthy way to cook.All the flavors and goodness stays in the pot.

Moroccan spices are an article in itself, There are several suitable for Tagine.If your lucky enough to pass Morocco.Ask for Tagine spice,this is normally a local mix and varies slightly.Most probably a little of everything.The contribution to food is unbelievable.

Tagines not only come in various sizes and shapes,but also in types.up to now we've only talked about cooking Tagines,functionally the most important but it doesn't stop here.You can use the base of your cooking Tagine to serve food.And strait from the oven its the best way.In fact most Moroccans eat this way using only bread to scoop up the food.There is a vast variety of serving Tagines.From as small as 7cm suitable for sauces etc, to full sizes of 30cm plus.

Serving Tagines are normally very decorative,hand painted with traditional designs.They present your meal perfectly adding decoration to the table. The conical lid keeps food warm and protected.

Tagines have also become a object of decoration,Ornamental or Decorative Tagines.The very shape of a Tagine makes it a focal point be it in the kitchen or living room.Ornamental Tagines can be very decorative.Sometimes adorned with Silver or Gold.Thousands of colorful designs.These Tagines also make great storage jars.Be it for jewelery or loose change,the uses are never ending.

Further Advice,Recipes or a wide range of Tagines can be found a Shop-Morocco.com