A Moroccan tajine is a traditional cooking vessel and dish that originated from the Early Muslim conquests. It is made of clay and has a round, wide, and shallow base and a conical lid with a knob on top for handling. The conical shape helps in condensing steam and retaining moisture, allowing food to cook evenly and blend flavors. Tajines are typically used for slow-cooking meat, vegetables, and spices, resulting in tender, buttery meat and rich, full-flavored sauces. The dish is named after the cookware itself, and it's essential to break in or season a new tajine before using it for cooking. Tajine recipes often include spices, garlic, onions, olives, and preserved lemons, but variations can be found to suit different tastes and skill levels.