When cooking with a tagine on the stovetop, the use of an inexpensive diffuser between the tagine and the heat source is essential. A diffuser is a flat metal paddle that sits between the burner and the tagine and, as the name says, diffuses the heat so the ceramic doesn’t crack and break.
You asked, what is a good size for a tagine? Tagines generally range in size from one quart, a good size for something like steaming couscous, to four quarts, which is ideal for stews and roasts. Like Dutch ovens, tagines can also go from stovetop to oven with ease — eliminating the need for a serving dish and minimizing cleanup.
You asked, should a tagine have a hole in the lid? Some tagines feature a controversial opening either in the handle or lid. The idea is that the hole releases steam, which helps concentrate the liquid cooking inside. … An opening, some say, will slow down the cooking time and dry out the dish faster.