BBQ Styles Around The World: Tagine Cooking From North Africa
Tagine cooking is a traditional method of cooking from North Africa, particularly Morocco. The dish is named after the conical-shaped clay pot in which it is cooked, known as a "tagine". The pot is designed to trap steam and circulate it back down onto the food, creating a moist and flavorful dish. This is practical cooking at it’s finest, with the wide shallow base and tall lid allowing steam to rise, condense and trickle back down - making sure to use the most of limited water supply available.
Traditionally, tagine is made with a combination of meats, such as chicken, lamb, or beef, and a variety of vegetables and fruits, such as potatoes, carrots, olives, and apricots. The meats and vegetables are seasoned with a blend of spices, including cumin, turmeric, cinnamon, and ginger, which gives tagine its unique and aromatic flavor. The tagine is cooked over low heat, often for several hours, allowing the flavors to meld together and the meats to become tender.
One of the most popular types of tagine is "chicken tagine with olives and preserved lemons". This dish is made with chicken thighs, olives, and preserved lemons which are cooked together in a tagine pot with spices and typically served with couscous. The chicken is cooked until it falls off the bone and the olives and lemons infuse the dish with a tangy and savory flavor.
Another common Tagine dish is "Lamb Tagine with dried apricots and prunes" this dish is made with tender cuts of lamb, dried apricots, prunes and a variety of spices, and it is slow cooked to perfection resulting in a rich, sweet and savory dish.
Tagine cooking is not limited to traditional dishes, many modern chefs are using this cooking method to create new and innovative dishes. Tagine can be used to cook a wide range of meats, fish, and vegetables, and it can be adapted to suit different dietary needs, such as vegetarian or gluten-free.
Tagine cooking is not only about the food, it's also about the experience. The process of preparing and cooking the dish is an integral part of the experience, and the aroma of the spices and the sound of the steam escaping from the pot add to the ambiance.
If you're looking to try something new and exotic in your cooking, give tagine a try. You can purchase a traditional clay tagine pot, or use a Dutch oven or slow cooker if you don't have access to one. Experiment with different ingredients and spices to create your own unique and delicious tagine dishes.
In conclusion, Tagine cooking is a unique and flavorful way to experience the tastes and traditions of North Africa. The slow-cooking method in the conical-shaped pot infuses the meats, vegetables and fruits with a unique blend of spices resulting in a rich, moist, and flavorful dish that is sure to impress.
