Cazuela

The cazuela is a glazed terracotta stew pot or casserole dish available in various sizes in which a number of both great and humble dishes are made. The terracotta evenly distributes the heat, making it perfect for slow cooking. They are very cheap and quite beautiful in their own rustic way. When using a cazuela for the first time, or after a decent hiatus from kitchen action, make sure it has been soaked in water for at least 12 hours. Once their moisture content is restored, cazuelas can be used over low to medium heat, including direct flame. They are readily available from gourmet kitchenware stores, online and in some department stores.