Terracotta Tagine Cookware Review and Comparison

Algerian handmade tagine compared to Portuguese assembly line made tagine.

Even with just a few pictures I think it's apparent that handmade tagines look and feel more substantial. The "rustic" appearance certainly lends an element of homey charm to any kitchen. At this point I have a small but growing collection of terracotta cookware and this one is by far the one guests zone in on the most. Not because it's most elegant or stylish, but because it has what certain kinds of foodies associate with the "real" thing. Nevermind that this "real thing" makes little difference to the vast majority of contemporary North African home cooks outside the realm of special occasions and nostalgia.

Both the Algerian and Portuguese tagines are glazed on the inside.

The lid of the Algerian tagine is only partially glazed on the inside and must be rubbed with olive oil to create a protective barrier from moisture and cooking odors.

I already posted a review of the Portuguese tagine here. The primary difference is that the lid of my Algerian tagine remained cool to the touch, as it should. Otherwise, my review is the same with the obvious exception that Algerian tagine vessels are not available in the States.

The flavor of tagines cooked in this North African glazed tagine vessel is no different from the one I purchased at Sur La Table.

Cook's note: If you purchase a tagine in a North African country (Morocco, Algeria or Tunisia) I recommend that you have it tested for lead. Actually, I recommend that you test a clay cooking vessel from any country for lead, unless you purchased it from a reliable vendor. California State Lead Poisoning Prevention Page

Comments

[Pamela Aissaoui]

Chef Zadi, I have been looking for a place to purchase a tadjine for stove-top cooking my matloua3. The one I had in Algeria was cast aluminum and was great for swirling the bread around to cook the sides and give it a nice round shape. Any ideas of where to find a pan like this in America? Maybe you could add this to your Amazon store? Please please? Assalaam alaykoum.

[heni@simplicity's table by the sea]

You are completely right about the lead warning; I too at first wanted so badly to use a tadjine here but after realizing that it may harm me I only have my tadjines and other traditional serves for display only; unfortunatly.

I prefer the cast iron tadjnes they are making now. i got one from France which i love!

[Pepy]

Thank you for linking my blogspot. I saw tagine at cookware store, I wanted to buy but no idea what I'm going to make. Thank you for your review :)

[ali]

wayne raha assahra.matan sanach

[ali]

keep working hard.you did good job,next time,test the recipes from the south.it's great!

[Shaun]

Farid - Thank you for the comparison. What a pity Algerian tagines are not easily available here, if at all. Good note re: testing for lead - I would not have thought of it otherwise.