Tajines....real clay cooking!

I am often amused when I walk through the kitchenware sections of large department stores. Inevitably there is an electrical version of virtually every simple cookware item imaginable. But the one that always makes me shake my head is the electric tajine! 

If you are unfamiliar with tajines or tagines, they are an ancient clay cookware vessel originating in North Africa. Moroccan, Algerian, Tunisian and many other African cultures have used the tajine for centuries.



Tajine with traditional lamb and potatoes



Tajine being used the traditional way- try it on your grill or in a barbecue pit or simply in the oven!

Tajines are becoming increasingly visible in US stores. If you see one that is NOT electric and a true clay tajine, grab it! You will not regret it. They are great for clay baking meat, vegetables and even breads. Beef and lamb cooked in tajines are wonderfully tender and using lower end cuts of meat will turn out just great! And, they are quite elegant in their form and beautifully decorative, often using Berber patterns and vivid colors on their exterior.

Even better, plan a trip to Morocco, Algeria or Tunisia and buy one there! If travelling to virtually anywhere in Europe, you should be able to find them in almost any place that sells kitchenware.