tagine

tagine, North African cooking vessel consisting of a flat rimmed dish and a tall conical lid. The term tagine also refers to the slow-simmered stews cooked in this vessel.

Tagines are a staple in Morocco, Tunisia, and Algeria, both as a kitchen tool and as a major dish in their cuisines. Tagines are believed to be of nomadic Berber origin, serving as portable ovens that could be easily picked up and moved. The Romans may have introduced the use of ceramic to make the pots. One of the earliest mentions of food prepared in a vessel similar to a tagine appears in The Thousand and One Nights, some portions of which date from the 9th century. The stews themselves are characterized by Arab, Ottoman, Moorish, and French influences, reflecting the cuisines of the people who have conquered and inhabited North Africa.

The tagine vessel is designed for low-temperature simmering, which allows complex flavours to develop while keeping the ingredients moist and tender. The conical lid, which usually features a small opening at the apex, traps moisture and returns it to the stew. Tagines thus require minimal water—an advantage in the desert of North Africa—and can soften tough cuts of meat. Traditionally, the pot itself is used over a clay stove or charcoal bricks, which allows the heat to be distributed evenly on the base; this prevents scorching and burning and results in a thick broth. In modern kitchens, the stew can be cooked on low heat, either covered on a stovetop or covered or uncovered in the oven. Classic tagines are made from unglazed earthenware; modern tagines may be glazed or made from other materials such as aluminum and cast iron. The cook time may vary based on the materials. Some tagines, typically those made of porcelain, serve a decorative purpose and are for serving only. If using a glazed, factory-made tagine on the stovetop, a heat diffuser will prevent cracking, which is common with commercial vessels. In addition, the tagine should be heated slowly and, when the cooking is done, be allowed to cool slowly.

Stews cooked in a tagine often consist of meat, poultry, or fish with vegetables, nuts, and fruit. Nearly all tagines contain onions, which form deghmira, a thick sauce. There are four main categories of tagines, named according to their fat and seasonings. Tagine m’qualli includes olive oil, turmeric, saffron, and ginger and is yellow in colour. Tagine m’hammer features butter (ghee), paprika, and cumin and is brownish red. Tagine mchermel includes chermoula, a Moroccan marinade made from olive oil, herbs, lemon, garlic, and various spices. Finally, tagines in tomato sauce typically feature olive oil, tomatoes, cumin, paprika, garlic, and herbs. Tagines often include both sweet and savory ingredients, and common combinations include chicken with preserved lemons, lamb with apricot and plums, and fish with tomatoes, cilantro, and lime. Almonds, pistachios, chickpeas, honey, and olives are also common. Another flavour component comes from the vessel itself; tagines made of unglazed clay lend an earthy element to the stews. Tagine stews are often served with flatbread and couscous.