What is a tagine and what is cooked in it

I feel a certain weakness for discovering new flavors and experimenting with different sensations every time I cook a recipe. If these dishes are cooked in a special way, my satisfaction is complete.

Today I want to show you how much I enjoy cooking in a tajine. Tajine cooking is typical of Morocco and other Maghreb countries. It is a vessel composed of a deep dish and a lid that has a conical shape. Cooking in a tajine is simple and very convenient. Its cooking method is healthy and very rich in flavors. I cook recipes at a leisurely pace, letting the flavor and the juice of the ingredients of the recipe gradually merge little by little. A real spectacle.

Photo: Le Creuset Tajine

The conical design of the ceramic lid retains moisture and heat inside, so the foods remain juicy during the long cooking time with very little water.

As steam is produced in the bottom of the tagine, it condenses on the lid and drips back onto the food throughout cooking. The cast iron base can also be used as a standalone tray for roasting and serving.

It's a delight to be able to stew in a tajine. I like doing it so much that I have two: a tajine de Le Creuset and another tajine by Emile Henry.

I love both and in them I make authentic and impressive Moroccan tajines. The result could not be better: rich, aromatic dishes. Tajines; the stew prepared in it has the same name as the vessel in which it is cooked, and they are characterized by the combination of meats (lamb, beef, chicken), sweet vegetables (carrots, tomatoes, eggplants) and fruits or citrus (lemon, dates, oranges). The sum of these ingredients gives a natural sweetness to many dishes.

Photo: Emile Henry Tajine

It has a very attractive table presentation and keeps food hot for a long time.

Have you ever tried cooking in a tajine? Will you give it a try?

I leave you a recipe you can try out and prepare a delicious tajine that will leave you boquieabiertos: a lamb tajine with prunes, ¡toda una delicia!

I look forward to your comments about this marvelous utensil!