8 Inch Terra Cotta Cazuelas (4 Dishes)

Cazuelas, terra cotta dishes, have been used in Spain since antiquity. They are the oldest manifestations of domestic life -- and can be seen at every archeological dig dealing with Iberian housing. Cazuelas are one of the original vessels used for a developing cuisine.

Our cazuelas are clearly the best you can buy. They are made according to a Roman formula which has been employed for centuries in this area of Spain near the Pyrenees.

Although terra cotta is nothing more complicated than moistened clay, fired with an interior glaze so it can hold liquids, this particular cazuela is made of a special clay to which small pebbles have been added to strengthen the bowl and increase its heat retention. They are fired at a higher temperature for durability.

These handsome cazuelas may be brought to the table straight from the oven. An 8-inch diameter dish is a good size to roast almonds, serve fabada stew, calamares, or other traditional dishes.

The glaze on the cazuelas is lead-free: safe for the stovetop or oven. If you want to use them over stovetop burners, be sure they are pre-soaked in water before the first use. This cazuela is 8" in diameter and 2" deep -- a handy size to serve a casserole to three or four people.