Tierra Negra Hand Made Sauté Dish, Oval, Small

A rustic oval cooking dish hand formed from black clay by small village producers in Colombia, great for oven-to-table use or as a serving dish. Using a method barely changed in 700 years, the pots are first formed of a rough grey clay and allowed to dry before being covered in a bright terracotta slip. Once dry this is polished using smooth pebbles before firing, during which the addition of dried herbs and grasses transforms the red slip to black. These can be used carefully over a flame or on a hob, as long as sudden sharp changes in temperature are avoided, and are also suitable for use in the oven or microwave. Handwash only — a pleasing patina will develop on the surface with use. To prepare your Tierra Negra pot for use, wash it and then fill it three-quarters full with water, and then place uncovered in an oven for 30 minutes at 200ºC. Measures 29cm x 19cm with a height of 6cm and a volume of 0.8 litres.