About

2-quart Moroccan Tagine made of enameled cast iron and colorful stoneware

Cone-shaped lid forms an excellent seal to keep moisture and heat inside

Generous rim allows for a secure grip during transport

Hand washing recommended; oven- and broiler-safe up to 500 degrees F

Measures 12-4/5 by 12-4/5 by 11-2/5 inches; limited lifetime warranty

Inspired by the slowly simmered, heavily seasoned cuisines indigenous to North Africa, this 2-quart Moroccan Tagine by Le Creuset is a classic example of form following function. Its distinctive cone-shaped lid promotes natural steam circulation and allows for the constant return of condensation to the base, moistening ingredients and tenderizing tough fibers within cuts of meat. And because it's crafted from durable cast iron, the Moroccan Tagine retains heat longer and cooks food more evenly and thoroughly. Traditional Moroccan tagines (the dish is named for the cookware) typically include a combination of braised meat (often lamb, beef or chicken), fruits, root vegetables, nuts, and fragrant spices like cinnamon, saffron, and ginger. Measuring 12-4/5 by 12-4/5 by 11-2/5 inches, the Moroccan Tagine makes a thoughtful gift idea or a unique addition to any cook's collection.

As part of Le Creuset's line of enameled cast iron, the cookware's low-profile, high-heat, cast-iron base distributes heat evenly and provides superior heat retention--great for stovetop cooking, as well as for browning vegetables or meat before steaming. The Moroccan Tagine's colorful stoneware lid forms an excellent seal to keep moisture and heat inside, while its conical shape also helps moisture circulate throughout so there's no need to open, stir, or turn the tagine, making food preparation a snap. The cookware can be used on any stovetop surface, including induction, and be safely used in the oven (up to 500 degrees F) or under the grill/broiler for exceptional versatility. Beautiful enough for the table yet durable enough to outlive its lifetime limited warranty, the cookware should be hand washed for best results.

  • Color: Kiwi, also cherry red, cobalt blue, dune (sand), and Dijon yellow
  • Weight: 7 lb 11 oz
  • Made In: France
  • Warranty: Lifetime
  • Dimensions: 10-3/4" x 8-1/4"
  • Composition: Enameled cast iron, stoneware
  • Manufacturer: Le Creuset
  • Other versions: Cherry; Cobalt; Dune; Dijon
  • Product number: L2138-2771

Ambitions

Apparent goal: kids gift/registry home kitchens restaurants everywhere
Intended audience: novice advanced beginner good home cook gourmet professional
Diet/nutrition: does not apply scary empty promises helpful essential
Green?: not especially neutral mixed blessing earth friendly green!
Innovative: step back standing still progress trendy genius
Problem solving: no better baby steps solid steps giant steps a revelation
Competition: outclassed follower in the pack strong challenger likely champ

Utility/Quality

Ease of use: impossible frustrating OK simple child's play
Intuitive: Ph.D. required barely logical effortless brilliant
Instructions: missing incomprehensible adequate unnecessary excellent
Quality: cheesy questionable good years of service impressive
Parts to lose: inevitable some/many one-piece self-storing not a problem
Power source: none hands batteries outlet stovetop/oven
Clean-up: nightmare wipe clean soap & water scouring pad dishwasher
Does it work?: not at all adequately well very well perfectly
Availability: airfare required online kitchen store department store supermarket

Packaging

Easy to open?: impossible maddening tolerable good opens itself
Green?: fills a landfill huge waste passable minimal waste impressive

Economy

Time saving: time wasting not really modest substantial huge
Labor saving: less efficient marginal a bit noticeable remarkable
Money saving: money wasted none $ $$ $$$
Beats the old way: worse no change better definitely entirely new
Where will it live?: garage/attic drawer cabinet countertop on display

Summary

Fulfills ambitions: falls short almost there satisfies exceeds home run
How often used: once/twice ≥daily ≥weekly ≥monthly ≥yearly/holidays
Worth the space?: no does not apply w/unlimited space w/limited space absolutely
Need it?: a luxury discretionary basic equipment for serious cooks get it
Value: ouch! a little pricey worth splurging on the money a deal
Overall rating: skip it fair good very good excellent

Comments: Simply having a tagine marks you as an interesting person,… an adventurous cook,… quite likely a world traveler. You could use it as a decoration – never cook with it – and you'd still look cool! But it you have it and use it, you are cool, way cool, in fact, and you open yourself up to some wonderful eating.

Tagine means stew and is a bedrock of Moroccan cooking, including meat or poultry, vegetables, often olives, preserved lemons, garlic, and rich in spices. We have had authentic tagines in Morocco, and can't wait to go back. We can (and do) make them at home, but there is something about the real thing in the real place!

The name tagine is also generally used for the dish in which these one-pot meals are cooked, although it's really a shortened form of tagine slaoui.

Moroccan tagines are generally earthenware and are cooked over an open fire or in a bed of coals. This tagine from Le Creuset is designed for Western kitchens with a base made of enameled cast iron, which can be used on any heating surface, including induction, halogen, and ceramic. It has a stoneware top in the traditional shape, which is ideal for the long, slow simmering of rich, flavorful recipes. It helps moisture circulate throughout the piece so there's no need to open, stir, or turn the tagine, making preparation much easier.

Our one critique it that it is a little small, with a capacity of 1-3/4 quarts. You can successfully use any of Le Creuset's recipes that come with the tagine, but we were not able to fit in whole recipes from Paula Wolfert's seminal Couscous and Other Good Food from Morocco without unfortunate spillovers. This is a small family or small dinner-party tagine.

Needless to say, coming from Le Creuset, it is wonderfully made and comes in such rich colors, you may have trouble choosing just one.