How to Cook in A Tagine Pot?

Fatima O.

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Did you recently buy a tagine pot or are you thinking of getting one but unsure how to use it? Let me tell you—it’s super easy to cook in a tagine pot, just like using one of your Dutch ovens.

As a Moroccan, I naturally learned how to use a tagine from my mom. But trust me, it’s not rocket science! Just follow these simple steps, and you’ll be cooking delicious meals in no time.

What is a Tagine pot and why you should have one in your kitchen?

how to use a tagine pot
Tagine pots diplayed for sale in Morocco

tagine pot is a traditional clay pot that originates from Morocco and North Africa.

In Moroccan households, tagine pots are used daily to slow-cook some of the most delicious and healthy meals you’ll ever try.

Personally, I make sure to use my tagine at least once or twice a week. You might wonder, “Why use a tagine pot instead of a regular one?”

Kofte dish made in a tagine pot
Kofte dish made in a tagine pot

Well, tagine pots are made of pure clay, which is one of the healthiest materials for cookware today.

Also, clay pots require slow to medium heat, and the steam that builds up inside helps lock in flavors, keeping the food moist, tender, and full of zest.

Depending on how you plan to use it, Moroccan tagine pots can be used on the stovetop or in the oven, making them a versatile cooking option.

Types of Tagine Pots

When looking for a tagine pot, you’ll come across several types: glazed tagine pots, unglazed tagine pots, and cast iron tagine pots.

Personally, I don’t recommend buying a cast iron tagine pot unless you’re simply looking for another regular cast iron pot to add to your kitchen.

If you want one here is a recommendation for a non-stick cast iron tagine pot.

That leaves us with the two authentic options: glazed and unglazed tagine pots.

Here’s my take: If your goal is to have flavor and authenticity, go for an unglazed tagine. But, if you’re after style and durability, a glazed tagine might be a better choice for you.

Also, glazed tagines are not considered the healthiest option for cooking while unglazed tagines can be more delicate and may crack easily.

Glazed tagine pots

Glazed Moroccan tagines have a smooth, glossy finish on the exterior. The glaze is typically applied to the inside of the pot as well, which makes it durable, non-stick and easier to clean.

Moroccan tagine pot glazed
Glazed Moroccan tagine pots fin display

The problem with this type of Tagine pot is that it may contain lead and other harmful chemicals that many sellers choose not to disclose.

So, when hunting for a glazed tagine, make sure to choose a safe option like this Glazed lead-free Moroccan tagine pot (10 inches). or this large authentic tagine pot (13 inches).

Another lead-free tagine option is Emile Henry Tagine pot. They come in big sizes (12+ inches) which is great for large families or if you entertain often.

Unglazed tagine pots

Unglazed Moroccan tagines, on the other hand, have a more rustic look, feel and smell. They are usually made from red clay and have a porous surface.

Unglazed Moroccan tagine pots require more care and upkeep, but they definitely produce better-tasting dishes.

moroccan-tagine-pots-unglazed
Unglazed Moroccan tagine pots in display

My mom prefers the glazed tagine as she use it almost daily while I personally prefer the unglazed.

Here is my 12-inches unglazed tagine pot.

What about those colorful Moroccan tagine pots?

If you have ever been to Morocco, you’ve probably seen the beautiful, colorful Moroccan tagines in the marketplaces.

They come in different sizes from very tiny ones to big ones that can feed a family.

tagine-pots-for-serving-and-decoration

These tagine pots are purely for serving or decoration and should not be used for cooking.

I usually these colorful tagine pots for serving food that I already cooked in regular cookware to add a Moroccan touch to the presentation.

tagine pot spice holder

Here is an affordable colorful tagine for serving. You can combine it with this Moroccan cute tagine spice holder 3 in 1 set.

You can also use the small ones to serve salads, and sauces or you can just display them in your kitchen.

Moroccan tagine pots make for a beautiful decorative item.

chicken tagine dish made in a glazed tagine pot
Chicken tagine dish made in a glazed tagine pot

What Moroccan Tagine size should you buy?

Moroccan tagines typically come in small, medium, and large sizes.

Moroccan-tagine-pot-size
Unglazed tagine pots in different sizes

Small Moroccan tagines are about 8 to 10 inches and they are good for feeding one to two people, while large Moroccan tagines can go up to 15 inches to feed a family of four or more.

There are other options in between these sizes as well, so choose the one that best fits your needs and travel luggage.

Where to buy Tagine pots in Morocco?

Moroccan tagine pots are widely available in Morocco, so you shouldn’t have any trouble finding one.

They can be found in most souks (open markets) in big cities like Marrakech, Fez, and Casablanca.

tagine-pots-in-morocco
Moroccan tagine pots on display in a the old medina, Morocco

The price of a tagine depends on its type (Glazed/Unglazed) and size. The bigger the Tagine is, the more pricey it will be.

Usually, a 10-inch Moroccan Tagine pot will cost you around 100dh to 150dh (that’s approx $10 to $15).

Where to buy Moroccan tagine pots online?

moroccan-tagine-pots-online
Buying a Moroccan tagine pot online

If you’re not in Morocco or if you want to buy a Moroccan tagine pot without having to haggle over the price, there are several online retailers that sell Moroccan tagines but the most convenient one is Amazon.

Here are a few of the best Moroccan tagine pots available online:

Unglazed Moroccan tagine pot (12 inches)

Authentic Moroccan tagine pot (13 inches)

Glazed lead-free Moroccan tagine pot (10 inches)

Emile Henry Large Moroccan Tagine pot

Non-stick cast iron Moroccan tagine pot

Colorful Moroccan tagine pot for serving

Moroccan tagine spice holder 3 in 1 set

Cast Iron heat diffuser plate for your tagine

Seasoning a tagine pot: important step

When buying an unglazed tagine pot, you must season it. This is an important step that will protect your tagine pot from cracking during your first meal preparaion.

man-using-moroccan-tagine-pot
Man using a Morocca tagine pot

the seasoning is only done once before using the tagine the frist time. This makes it last longer and you won’t need to redo it.

To season a tagine pot follow these steps.

  1. Submerge your tagine pot (both the lid and the base) in water overnight.
  2. The next day, dry it completely with a soft cloth or you can air dry it.
  3. Next, you want to coat it in oil olive from the inside and outside including the lid. Be generous with oiling
  4. Put your Tagine in a cold oven. Turn the oven on to 300 F/150 C, and leave it for two hours (set a timer)
  5. When time is up, turn the oven off and leave the tagine inside to cool completely.
  6. Once it’s cooled down, wash your tagine with a little bit of detergent and water to remove any excess oil.

And that’s it! Your Moroccan tagine is now seasoned and ready for use.

How to properly use a tagine pot

my vegetable tagine dish made with tagine pot on electric stove
My vegetable tagine dish on an electric stove

Cook on low and medium heat only: Clay tagines are sensitive to heat make sure to not to use it on very high heat as this can crack it. Use only low or moderate heat.

Always use a heat diffuser: Make sure you use a heat diffuser, especially of you are using a gas stove. Here is the cast iron heat diffuser I recommend.

Don’t add too much liquids: When cooking your tagine dish, be mindful of how much water you add. Remember tagines pots cook with steam, so adding too much liquid will make your food soupy instead of stew-like.

Tagines on electric stoves: In Morocco, tagines pots are commonly are used on fire or gas stoves but electric stoves are also fine and safe to use. I have only has electric stoves in my home and it ws never an issue. But I make sure to use a heat diffuser and cook on low heat.

How to clean and store a tagine pot?

To preserve your tagine pot for longer, make sure to wash it properly after use, and dry it.

And when storing it, I recommed that you brush the inside with some olive oil to prevent mold from forming. You can wash off the oil just before use.

Now that you know everything about tagine pots and how to choose the right one for you, all you need is to find some Moroccan tagine recipes and start cooking!  

If you ever buy a tagine and try some of my recipes let me know how it goes. I’m also availbale for any questions regarding Moroccan tagine pots.

moroccan-tagine-pot

About Fatima O.

Fatima, born and raised along the foothills of the Atlas mountains, in the heartland of the indigenous Amazigh peoples. She loves Moroccan tea and travel. Now, she travels and writes about the beauty of her homeland.

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