moroccan camel tagine
Well I don't even know where to begin with this dish. Yes I found some camel meat and yes it was delicious. But let me skip back one step. My long winded search for harissa came to an abrupt end when after a morning of driving all over the city I found a good supply. Seeing as I'd already used my Alberta lamb up (the original reason I wanted this sauce), I decided to pick up a few cans in case I wanted to attempt my original dish again one day.
Now the camel, which was a surprise as I originally stopped in to check on a delivery of python. The disappointment caused by the lack of snake meat was wiped away by the sight of camel. I've never had camel, or personally know anyone who has eaten it, so I figured a little iron chef challenge was called for. The meat itself is seemed closer to pork in texture, but beefier in taste it that makes sense. Definitely something you don't want to throw on the BBQ for quick steak-like grilling, as it would probably dry out quickly.
With my stash of harissa, I knew I could finally put together the Moroccan dish I saw at Closet Cooking. The dish was straight forward. I cut the camel into bite sized pieces and marinated overnight in a delicious spice blend. After browning and removing the camel, I cooked onions then garlic and ginger. I put in the tomato paste, beef stock and returned the camel meat. After bringing to a boil, then lowering to a simmer it cooked for a few hours. I added a good amount of raisins and dried apricots before letting it simmer for another 40 minutes or so. Right at the end I added honey and harissa before plating on some brown rice. For garnish; some cilantro.
The meal was delicious, although a few pieces of camel were tougher than I would have liked (needed more simmering), it was the spice blend that stuck out. It was fantastic, fragrant, and something I've never used before. It made me think about what it would feel like to go back in time and hear your favorite song again for the first time. I just loved these spices from the start. The rice sucked up all the extra sauce and made for an even tastier side.
