Tagine

A melt-in-your-mouth stew packed with flavour

Dating as far back as the eighth century, the tagine is a comfort food favourite that has stood the test of time. Traditionally cooked in an earthenware pot, it produces melt-in-your-mouth stews that are perfect for those cold winter nights, rainy days and everything in between.

A hot and tasty North African stew

Few things warm you from head to toe like a beautifully fragrant stew, especially those that have been passed down from generation to generation like the once humble tagine from North Africa. Traditionally including meat as the star of the show, vegetarian and fish options are becoming equally popular alternatives.

The different varieties of tagine

Glazed or unglazed? Aluminium or cast iron? They come in many shapes and sizes and, while there isn’t a right or wrong, your experience level will most likely be the deciding factor.

• Beginners: A cast iron option is a great place to start. They don’t crack, won’t burn as easily as clay varieties and are also the most versatile and durable.
• Intermediate: If your tagine game is a bit more advanced, a glazed clay pot is for you. They are less prone to cracking and burning while still giving you that traditional feel.
• Experienced: Unglazed clay pots are one of the trickiest styles to use but oh so worth it from a flavour perspective. As the porous clay soaks up every dish, your pot will soon become its very own secret ingredient that will be impossible to replicate.

The magic of clay pot cooking

Clay pot cooking is renowned for creating intensely flavourful dishes that only get better over time. Because the porous material soaks up a bit of every dish, the pot eventually adds a distinct flavour profile to every meal. Combined with it being a relatively low-effort and versatile way of cooking, it’s little wonder that the earthenware tradition is making a comeback.