Mexican Terra Cotta Medium Flat Cazuela

This traditional clay cazuela from Hidalgo, Mexico, is more lightweight than Pyrex, more attractive than either glass or metal cookware, and has nonstick properties thanks to its beautiful glazed finish—which also makes it easy to clean. Its height and generous capacity make the cookware great for making large batches of rice or paella. Use it as a stunning serving piece for Arroz Verde, a Mexican rice dish that gets its vibrant green hue from fresh herbs and looks extra appetizing against the terra cotta hue. The cazuela easily holds four chicken breasts or six thighs and is ideal for recipes that require oven-safe skillets, such as our Mustard-Braised Chicken with Tarragon. Each piece is handcrafted by specialized artisans and takes between 15 and 20 days to produce, from mining local clay to polishing the dishes using volcanic rock. And not only will it add an attractive, authentic touch to your table, the cazuela is also certified food-safe, whereas many other brands of earthenware are made with lead. Because the clay is finely ground, the dish requires very little seasoning before first use—simply bring water to a boil in the cookware. As with all clay cookware, the pieces should not be exposed to extreme temperature shock. For instance, let a hot pot cool to room temperature before running under cold water to avoid cracking.