This dish can be used in multiple ways but perfect as a saucer for the soup bowl. Like the bowl, it is made with unglazed earthenware, thick and good at heat retention. They resist heat and can be heated in an oven or broiler, on a stove top, over a an open flame or even on charcoal if you need to finish some cooking or to serve au gratin. The outside finish is the result of a smoking process which results in an uneven dark brown exterior.