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WHAT IS A SPANISH TERRACOTTA OVAL ROASTING DISH?

For many thousands of years Pereruela terracotta dishes have been manufactured in this region. The clay has amazing refractory properties which has been recognised throughout the ancient and modern world. Terracotta pottery is ubiquitous throughout Spain but the terracotta dishes of Pereruela have been recognised as probably the best.

WHY ARE THESE TERRACOTTA DISHES SO GOOD?

Pereruela terracotta dishes are hand-made by experienced potters made with two types of clay; slow drying red clay which gives the pot its strength and white clay, containing quartz, feldspar and mica which give the pots their incredible refractory properties. The pots are dried, glazed and fired for 10 hours. The glaze on the paella dish is perfectly safe for all applications — it contains no lead.

HOW DO I PREPARE MY DISH?

On first use, terracotta cooking dishes need to be soaked for 30 minutes in cold water to prevent the pot from cracking when used. Thereafter the dishes can be used as ovenware, stove top or microwave.

WHAT DO I USE MY OVAL ROASTING DISH FOR?

The refractory qualities of theses dishes make them great for roasting meats. The dish holds the heat evenly and radiates back into the meat, ideal with meats like milk-fed lamb or suckling pig, the dish helps in the crisping of the meat. Not only that, but this dish makes a great serving dish too and will not only beautifully display anything you serve on it but will hold heat and will help keep the food piping hot. This dish can also be used as a serving platter for charcuterie or cheese. When cooking with terracotta, the key is to increase and decrease heat gradually to avoid cracking and shattering the dishes.