La Chamba 5 Quart Flat Casserole with Lid

$130.95

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Made of black clay, a typical medium for traditional Colombian pottery, this lidded 5-quart casserole works beautifully for rice dishes, casseroles or seafood stews. Each dish benefits from a low, wide, flat baking dish and the steam-capturing lid. La Chamba’s casserole dishes are still made the traditional way, by families in central Colombia who practice their craft on the banks of the Magdalena River. This striking black baker transitions easily from kitchen to table; the unglazed clay has a light, sophisticated sheen and the casserole will retain heat long after coming off of the heat, thanks to the naturally occurring mica in the clay. As each piece is handmade by Colombian artisans, slight imperfections in form or finish are to be expected, including the fit of the lid to the casserole. It is appropriate for the oven or microwave, but despite being incredibly sturdy and long-lasting, black clay pieces should be heated slowly, as they can’t withstand drastic changes in temperature.

Net Weight: 2 pounds
Dimensions: 15.8 inches; Width: 13.5 inches; Height: 8.5 inches
Capacity: 5 quarts
Materials: Black Clay
Place of Origin: Colombia

This casserole can be used in the oven or microwave. Use on a stovetop will require additional equipment, such as heat diffusers of induction disks (not sold at Milk Street). The casserole should be brought up to the desired temperature gradually. Use wooden or silicone utensils when cooking to avoid scratching the interior of the casserole.

Try it with our Ligurian Potato, Green Bean and Mushroom Gratin or Sweet Potato and Shallot Casserole with Fennel Seed.

Hand-washing is recommended; allow the casserole to come to room temperature before washing or storing. Avoid abrasive or metal pads when washing, as well as citrus or strongly perfumed detergents, which may impart a flavor or scent to the clay.

La Chamba 5 Quart Flat Casserole with Lid

$130.95

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Black clay tabletop items are a specialty of Colombia.

Used commonly throughout home and restaurant kitchens, sleek black clay casseroles and servers may look modern, but they trace their roots back at least 700 years: Pitchers and vases made of black clay have been unearthed in pre-Columbian archaeological sites. The unglazed clay pieces are ideal for traditional Colombian preparations like ajiaco, a soup, or slowly cooked beans, which are enriched and concentrated by the porous clay’s slow release of steam.