If you're a fan of Moroccan cuisine, you probably already know the importance of having a tagine in your kitchen. A tagine is a traditional North African clay cooking vessel that is commonly used to prepare stews, soups, and other flavorful dishes. However, before you can start using your tagine to cook your favorite recipes, you need to cure it properly.
Curing your tagine involves soaking the base and lid in water for 24 hours, patting them dry, brushing the surfaces with olive oil, and then heating them in the oven. This process helps to seal the porous clay and create a natural non-stick surface that will enhance the flavor of your food.
To cure your Moroccan cooking tagine, follow these simple steps:
1. Soak the base and lid in water for 24 hours. Before curing your tagine, you need to make sure that it is completely soaked in water for a full day. This helps to prevent the tagine from cracking when it's exposed to high temperatures during the curing process.
2. Pat dry and brush surfaces with olive oil. Once the tagine has been soaked for 24 hours, remove it from the water and pat it dry with a clean towel. Then, using a pastry brush or your fingers, coat the surfaces of the tagine with olive oil. This will help to seal the clay and create a non-stick surface.
3. Place in a cold oven and heat to 225 degrees Fahrenheit. After brushing the tagine with olive oil, place it in a cold oven and set the temperature to 225 degrees Fahrenheit. This gradual heating process helps to prevent the clay from cracking due to sudden changes in temperature.
4. Leave in the oven for 2 hours. Once the oven has reached the desired temperature, leave the tagine in the oven for two hours. This will allow the clay to slowly cure and create a non-stick surface.
5. Turn off the oven and let the tagine cool completely. After two hours, turn off the oven and let the tagine cool completely inside the oven. This will prevent any cracks from forming due to sudden changes in temperature.
6. Wash Tagine. After letting your tagine cool completely, wash by hand with hot water and baking soda. Then pat dry and rub with a little olive oil.
After you've cured your tagine, it's important to take proper care of it to ensure that it lasts for years to come. This means washing it by hand with hot water after each use. It's also important to note that tagines are not dishwasher safe, so make sure to clean them by hand.
If you want to enjoy delicious Moroccan cuisine at home, it's essential to have a properly cured tagine. By following these simple steps and taking proper care of your tagine, you can ensure that it will last for many years and provide you with many delicious meals.
