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Arabian spiced camel stew, ready to serve in a serving bowl, garnished with cilantro, surrounded by used kitchen utensils and a rustic cutting board.

Arabian Spiced Camel Stew Recipe: A Culinary Odyssey

Discover the rich flavors of this Arabian spiced camel stew recipe, a blend of aromatic spices and fresh ingredients. Check it out!
5 from 137 votes
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 2 hours 30 minutes
Total Time 2 hours 50 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Middle Eastern
Servings 6 people
Calories 280 kcal

Equipment

  • Large pot or Dutch oven
  • Sharp knife and cutting board
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Wooden spoon or spatula

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb Camel meat cut into 1-inch cubes
  • 2 large Yellow onions finely chopped
  • 4 Garlic cloves minced
  • 3 medium Carrots peeled and sliced
  • 2 large Tomatoes diced
  • 2 tablespoon Tomato paste
  • 4 cups Beef or chicken stock
  • 1 teaspoon Cumin powder
  • 1 teaspoon Coriander powder
  • 1 Cinnamon stick
  • 4 Cardamom pods lightly crushed
  • 2 Bay leaves
  • ½ cup Dried apricots chopped
  • 1 can Chickpeas 15 oz, drained and rinsed
  • 3 tablespoon Extra virgin olive oil
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • Fresh cilantro for garnish, chopped

Instructions
 

  • Begin by patting the camel meat dry with paper towels. Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat and brown the camel meat in batches. Set the browned meat aside on a plate.
  • In the same pot, reduce the heat to medium and add the onions. Sauté until they're translucent and slightly golden, about 5 minutes. Add the garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
  • Stir in the carrots and cook for a few minutes until they start to soften. Then add the diced tomatoes and tomato paste, cooking until the tomatoes break down and the mixture becomes thick and rich.
  • Return the browned camel meat to the pot and add the stock, cumin, coriander, cinnamon stick, cardamom pods, and bay leaves. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Bring the stew to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 2 hours.
  • About 30 minutes before the stew is done, add the chopped dried apricots and chickpeas. Continue to simmer until the meat is fork-tender and the chickpeas are heated through.
  • Once the stew is ready, remove the cinnamon stick, cardamom pods, and bay leaves. Taste and adjust the seasoning if necessary.
  • Ladle the stew into bowls and garnish with fresh cilantro. Serve with warm, crusty bread or over a bed of fluffy couscous to soak up the delicious sauce.

Notes

  • Browning the meat — Don't rush the browning process. Take the time to brown the camel meat properly, as it lays the foundation for the stew's deep, savory flavor. A good sear also locks in the juices, ensuring the meat stays moist during the long simmer.
 
  • Layering flavors — Build the flavors gradually by adding the spices to the sautéed onions and garlic before the liquid. This 'blooms' the spices, releasing their essential oils and maximizing their impact on the dish.
 
  • Slow simmer — Resist the urge to rush the cooking process. A slow, gentle simmer allows the tough fibers in the camel meat to break down, resulting in a stew that's rich, complex, and worth the wait.

Nutrition

Nutrition Facts
Arabian Spiced Camel Stew Recipe: A Culinary Odyssey
Amount per Serving
Calories
280
% Daily Value*
Fat
 
8
g
12
%
Saturated Fat
 
1
g
6
%
Polyunsaturated Fat
 
1
g
Monounsaturated Fat
 
5
g
Sodium
 
71
mg
3
%
Potassium
 
530
mg
15
%
Carbohydrates
 
20
g
7
%
Fiber
 
4
g
17
%
Sugar
 
12
g
13
%
Protein
 
2
g
4
%
Vitamin A
 
6082
IU
122
%
Vitamin C
 
16
mg
19
%
Calcium
 
56
mg
6
%
Iron
 
1
mg
6
%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
Keyword Arabian spices, Bedouin cuisine, Camel meat stew, Exotic stew recipe, Middle Eastern comfort food
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