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Lidded Terra Cotta Cazuela Casserole
$49
- Lidded casserole
- Artisan handmade in Spain
- Lead-free, food safe
- Size - 48 oz/6 cups - 9.5 in diameter, 2 in deep
We love the basic simplicity of terra cotta - clay, low fired with an interior glaze. The clay for these pieces has been used since Roman times to produce some of the most lasting examples of this fundamental craft. What makes this a special piece is that it is made following a classical Roman formula which involves mixing in small pebbles to the clay so that the finished product is much stronger and retains heat for a longer time. This premium terra cotta is superior to any other in America.
The graceful form of this lidded casserole looks very attractive when you bring it to the table. This lidded dish can be used in the oven as well as for serving soups and other recipes. The glaze on the cazuela is perfectly safe for all applications, as it contains no lead.
Use and Care
To clean, soak in sudsy water and scrub with a soft brush to remove any hardened food.
This sturdy clay cookware is safe to use in the oven or on the stovetop. Before cooking with your cazuela, you will need to cure it using the directions below. If it has not been used for cooking for an extended period of time, it should be cured again prior to use.
Avoid intense heat such as flame applied directly to the dish. A flame tamer or other type of buffer is necessary. Introduce heat in a gradual process whenever possible rather than placing it in the target heat level.
If the cazuela is properly cured it should be able to handle temperatures up to 500°F, such as in a pizza oven, provided it is heated gradually.
Standard curing method - Soak the entire dish in water to cover for 12 hours. Drain and wipe dry. Rub the unglazed bottom with a cut clove of garlic (we are not sure how the garlic works, but why argue with tradition?) Fill the dish with water to 1/2 inch below the rim, then add 1/2 cup of vinegar. Place the dish on a flame-tamer over low heat and slowly bring the water to a boil (no flame tamer? Crumple a sheet of aluminum foil and create a ring that you place over your burner to create about an inch of space between the heat and the cazuela). Let the liquid boil down until only about 1/2 cup remains. Cool slowly and wash. Your cazuela is ready for use - the garlic has created a seal. This technique has been used since the Middle Ages. It seasons the pot, kills bacteria and hardens the unglazed parts.
Alternate curing method - Especially if you intend to use the cazuela to cook strongly flavored fish or seafood. After soaking, rub the inside of the base with olive oil and put into a preheated 300°F oven for 1 1/2 hours. Turn off the heat and let cool.
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Customer Reviews
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"Wonderful cazuela dish with the added plus of a lovely lid to keep the food warm from oven to table. Beautiful craftsmanship, exquisite terracotta design and easy to carry and wash. Even better is the fact that it is a small family business. Venga!"
Rene - Chicago, IL December 2022
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"ideal for wood fired oven, high quality craftsmanship"
giulio - verona, WI July 2022
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"Beautiful, well made and priced right. I couldn’t ask for more. I will definitely be making more purchases from La Tienda "
Corinne - Santa Monica, California, CA June 2022
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"We love this casserole dish! Great quality and makes really tasty dishes."
Jennifer - Missoula, MT April 2022
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"Beautiful. I’m sure it will work well. "
Pat - Salem, OR February 2022
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"I love the cazuela, i cooked the rabbit there and came out delicious, thank you"
Luis - CHICAGO, IL September 2021
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"I've had this now for several years and it is my "go to" since my husband and I retired. Just the right size casserole/pan for us. Plus, we also use it to hold warm flour or corn tortillas! Much nicer to pass around the table than those gross plastic warmers. And by warming it first, it keeps the tortillas warm and soft for the whole dinner. Thanks for such a versatile product!"
Robin - Los Gatos, CA May 2021
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DONNA - galena, IL October 2014
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"for stovetop and oven it is great!!"
NORMA - GLENDALE, NY March 2014
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"I like the casserole,very nice and good quality."
galina - April 2012