Where Do Tagines Come From? Discover the Origin of This Iconic Dish

11 minutes read

Tagines are not only a flavorful North African dish but also a symbol of cultural tradition and communal dining. But where do tagines come from, and how did they become so popular across the globe?


What Is a Tagine?

A tagine refers to both a dish and the clay or ceramic pot it's cooked in. The pot has a cone-shaped lid that allows steam to circulate, keeping the food moist and tender without needing much liquid. Tagines are often slow-cooked stews made with meat, vegetables, dried fruits, and aromatic spices like cumin, cinnamon, and saffron.


Where Do Tagines Originate From?

Tagines come from Morocco, a country in North Africa known for its rich culinary history. The origins of the tagine can be traced back to Berber culture, which dates back thousands of years. Berbers, the indigenous people of North Africa, developed this unique method of cooking to suit their nomadic lifestyle — using the tagine pot to prepare meals over an open fire.


Best Tagines For Cooking in July 2025

1
KooK Moroccan Tagine, Enameled Cast Iron Cooking Pot, Tajine with Ceramic Cone-Shaped Closed Lid, 3.3 QT, (Stone Blue)

Rating is 5 out of 5

KooK Moroccan Tagine, Enameled Cast Iron Cooking Pot, Tajine with Ceramic Cone-Shaped Closed Lid, 3.3 QT, (Stone Blue)

  • One Pot Wonder: The tagine is legendary for cooking the most tender, aromatic and flavorful stews.
  • Moist & Tender: This dish is shaped with a conical closed lid, which allows steam to circulate with very little water. The steam continuously bastes the ingredients keeping them soft and buttery
  • Enameled Cast Iron: Unlike clay versions, this durable and versatile pot can be used on induction tops, gas stoves, or in the oven. It’s also super easy to clean, lead-free and requires no seasoning.
  • Cook & Serve: This vibrant cooking pot doubles as a serving dish, and the cast iron keeps food warm for longer. The lid fits snugly and features and features an easy-grip knob so you can easily peek at what's simmering inside.
  • Crafted from safe materials – contains no lead or cadmium for healthy cooking
  • Perfect Condition Guarantee: We’ve carefully packaged this tagine with polyfoam to ensure it arrives in perfect condition. Also included is recipe, cleaning and care instructions to get you started!
2
Kamsah Tagine Pot for Cooking and Flavor Enrichment - Large Clay Pot 12”, 5.5 QT - Non-Stick Handmade Cookware - Moroccan Ceramic Pots for Cooking with Lid & Serving Bowl - Bohemian Supreme Red

Rating is 5 out of 5

Kamsah Tagine Pot for Cooking and Flavor Enrichment - Large Clay Pot 12”, 5.5 QT - Non-Stick Handmade Cookware - Moroccan Ceramic Pots for Cooking with Lid & Serving Bowl - Bohemian Supreme Red

  • FLAVOR ENRICHMENT — Experience an unparalleled depth of flavor with your new Moroccan tagine pot. The unique conical design of the ceramic pot circulates steam, allowing your food to baste itself while cooking. The result? This cooking clay pot cooks rich, aromatic dishes where flavors meld beautifully for an authentic North African experience.
  • HEALTHIER COOKING — Enjoy guilt-free, flavorful meals with one of our handmade tagine pots. The slow cooking process of a ceramic tagine preserves nutrients and moisture, reducing the need for oils or fats. Perfect for lean meats, vegetables, and spices, the Moroccan tagine cooking pot method delivers tender, wholesome dishes every time.
  • FAIR TRADE & HANDMADE — Crafted by women artisans in Tunisia, each of our tajine clay cooking pots is a symbol of tradition and ethical craftsmanship. Made from lead-free, non-stick ceramic, these Tagine clay pots for cooking are safe, durable, and designed to enhance the natural flavors of your food. All while supporting fair trade practices​ in the making of clay cookware.
  • SERVE RIGHT OUT OF THE POT — Stylish enough to go from stove to table, these Moroccan tagines double as serving clay bowls for food. Impress guests with an eye-catching presentation of the clay bowl, keeping your food warm and full of flavor long after it’s done cooking. The vibrant, handcrafted ceramic pot with lid adds a personal touch to any meal.
  • TRY OUT TONS OF NEW RECIPES — The clay pot with lid isn’t just for Moroccan dishes—it’s perfect for cooking a variety of meals, from stews and soups to vegetarian dishes and desserts. The design of the large ceramic pot for cooking accommodates both stovetop and oven use, offering flexibility for home chefs of all levels. Plus the heat-retentive ceramic in the clay pot for cooking with lid keeps food warm for extended periods, making it ideal for serving​.
3
Bruntmor Moroccan Tagine, Cast Iron, Red, 3.5-Quart, Round, With Lid

Rating is 4.9 out of 5

Bruntmor Moroccan Tagine, Cast Iron, Red, 3.5-Quart, Round, With Lid

  • SECURE AND VERSATILE - This Moroccan Tagine can be used in the oven and stove, ideal for high-temperature cooking or slow-cooking. Use it confidently for various recipes, and it's freezer-friendly.
  • LIGHTWEIGHT AND EASY TO CLEAN - Weighing 30% less than other heavy cookware, this Cast Iron Tagine Pot is easy to use and clean. It can be cleaned in the dishwasher or hand-washed with soap and water.
  • SEASONING NOT REQUIRED - The lid traps moisture for even steam distribution, while the cast iron base cooks your meals to perfection. No need to season; this equipment handles it all effortlessly.
  • HIGH-QUALITY CAST IRON - Crafted from durable cast iron, this Tagine Pot can withstand extreme heat and won't crack like other lids. It's oven-friendly up to 500°F for versatile cooking options.
  • EXQUISITE PRESENTATION - Elevate your culinary creations with this Moroccan Tagine, ideal for serving dishes in style. Its elegant appearance adds a touch of authenticity to your dining table.
4
Emile Henry Made In France Flame Tagine, 3.7 quart, Burgundy

Rating is 4.9 out of 5

Emile Henry Made In France Flame Tagine, 3.7 quart, Burgundy

  • Made from Flame Ceramic. Can be used directly on the heat or in the oven. Make delicious tagines, stews and any recipe which requires simmering
  • It can be used on all direct heat sources: gas, electric or halogen (with an induction disk for induction hobs) and in the oven
  • Our Flame ceramic has been designed specifically for slow simmering, which brings out the flavors in the recipe
  • The lid has a unique shape, which allows the steam to circulate and helps keep the ingredients tender and moist
  • All Emile Henry products are made in France and offer a 10 year guarantee
5
INSETFY Non-Stick Frying Pan/Skillet 11", 3QT Tagine Pan,Cast Aluminum Pans with Lid, Stove/Oven-to-Table Cookware, Dishwasher Safe& Compatible with All Stovetops(Black)

Rating is 4.8 out of 5

INSETFY Non-Stick Frying Pan/Skillet 11", 3QT Tagine Pan,Cast Aluminum Pans with Lid, Stove/Oven-to-Table Cookware, Dishwasher Safe& Compatible with All Stovetops(Black)

  • TAGINE STYLE COOKWARE - INSETFY frying pan uses a conical lid, this design helps to concentrate the steam and heat the food evenly, reducing moisture loss. During the cooking process, just add a little water and the steam will drip evenly onto the ingredients. This design not only helps to maintain the original flavor and nutrition of the food, but also has a good heat retention effect, which keeps the food hot for a period of time.
  • NON-STICK AND STURDY - Are you tired of sticking, scraping, denting or warping pans? We've solved those worries now! Our cookware is triple layered with an outer layer and is made with a premium pressed aluminum inner layer, very stable and non-stick. Frying pan with traditional aluminum lid for juicy and aromatic baking, fry, saute, sear, braising or steaming. It's ideal for serving and preparing tagine, stews, roasts and poultry.
  • HEAT-RESISTANT - What good is a skillet if you can't bake in it? Our INSETFY skillet work well up to 464℉. To give you a better idea of this heat limit, regular cakes can be fully baked in the oven at only 300℉. Our frying pan can withstand almost twice this amount of heat, so you can use the skillet with confidence!
  • STOVE& OVEN TO DINING TABLE - Specially designed with a large round pan bottom for use with a variety of heat sources such as electric, gas, induction, halogen and ceramic stoves. The non stick frying pans can be taken from stovetop to oven to table. It's not just a pot, it can be served on the table! It's dishwasher safe, so cleaning is never a problem!
  • YOUR HOME COMPANION - This frying pan offers a good seal to keep moisture and heat inside, it can be used to cook main dishes, appetizers, baked desserts, Thanksgiving dishes and more. They are also used as home,Christmas presents, platters and party trays.


The Role of Tagines in Moroccan Cuisine

In Moroccan households, tagines are more than just food — they represent hospitality, tradition, and family gatherings. Each region of Morocco has its own spin on the dish, using local ingredients and spices. Common varieties include:

  • Lamb with prunes and almonds
  • Chicken with preserved lemons and olives
  • Fish tagine with chermoula sauce

Spread and Popularity Worldwide

With the rise of global cuisine, tagines have gained popularity in Europe, North America, and beyond. Today, you’ll find tagine recipes adapted for modern stovetops and ovens, making it easy to enjoy this traditional dish in any kitchen.


Conclusion

So, where do tagines come from? The answer lies in the heart of Moroccan and Berber culture, where food is slow-cooked with care and served with love. Whether you're a home cook or a foodie, exploring tagines is a flavorful journey into North African heritage.

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