It’s Food, Shopping And Merry As Ramadhan Ends in Mombasa

As expected, Eid Ul Fitr is here with us. As a norm,  Coastal Muslim Brothers and Sisters throng into Shopping  malls, Street eating  joints to celebrate. On Sunday 25th morning the Chief Kadhi announced the sighting of the moon which marks the end of a month fasting for the Muslim faithful. 
 Eid is the festival of breaking of the fast celebrated at the end of Ramadhan. In my spot check within Mombasa CBD, The faithfuls started with prayers at at the famous Mbaraki Sports ground .

Preparations were in top gear as residents of Mombasa after prayers thronged shopping malls and shops in the central business district. 

Marikiti food vendors

Traders with shops along Old town, Marikiti, Mwembe Tayari and Mwembe Kuku were doing brisk business as people stocked up for Idd. Foodstuffs, apparel and gift items were in high demand. 

Street food on display along old town

Afterwards, it was a rush of colour as men in new Kanzu’s, women in stylish dress and children thronged the streets in Idd Festivities

Residents joined  friends and family at their homes and various leisure spots around Mombasa notwithstanding their social, economic and political affiliation. 

Governor Hassan Joho hags Senator Omar at the prayers

As expected, Mombasa County Governor 001 his excellence Ali Hassan Joho aka Sultan joined the residents of mombasa which included his political competitors  such as Honorable Senator Hassan Omar  and Others theirby putting their political differences aside to celebrate Idd. 

Makadara Lunar park

Residents thronged Makadara grounds where vendors outdid themselves selling food, toys, horse rides and other forms of amusement to the residents. 

Mtwapa palms garden

Other places that residents chose to make merry were City Mall, Lunar Park, mtwapa  and pirates public  Beach.
Goat traders at Soko la Mbuzi were almost out of stock by mid day while food traders who sell biryani, pilau and other delicacies in bulk were struggling to meet the demand.

Food on display along the streets of mombasa old town

Eid festivities continued through Monday  as most of the eateries were packed. The food court at City Mall was completely packed as were other popular restaurants Barka and Tarboush in old town.

Tarboush restaurant

The festivities goes on for a week  and you can take your kids at the Temporary  Makadara  grounds Lunar Park…….. 

Magic in mince meat

Mince meat in its composition is a versatile ingredient which can be used/cooked in many ways,From the German meatloaf and steak tartar to Indian kebabs and curries, From Italian Ragu and meatballs to the French bolognese and shepherds pie.  From the Mexicans chili con carne to the Americans beef burger.The list is just too long! Mince meat whether mutton or beef is something you should not miss in your ladder. Below is one amongst magical moments with Mince. My Second  moment will be dealt with in my subsequent post 
1.MEAT BALLS IN TOMATO SAUCE 

Ingredients :Serves 4

• 400g minced beef 
• 1 clove garlic, crushed 
• 2tbs bread crumbs or a slice of bread soaked in little  milk
• I tsp mixed herbs 
• 1 egg beaten 
• Pinch of salt and pepper 
• Butter or oil for frying 

Sauce ingredients :

• 400g or around 6 tomatoes, blanched and skin removed, Chopped. 
• 1/2 red onions, peeled and chopped 
• 1 stick celery, thinly sliced
• 2 tsp tomato puree /paste
• 1/2pc capsicum 
• 1 clove garlic, chopped. 
• 1/2 tsp mixed dried herbs 
• Oil for cooking, preferably olive oil  
• Salt to taste 

Method :

• To make balls, mix all the dry ingredients together and mix well with the egg to bind. 
• Devide the mixture into 12-16 pieces and form /mould them into balls. 
• Fry the balls in butter  or oil for about 5 minutes until lightly browned. Remove from pan(you can as well use deep frier) and set aside 
• On the same pan, add and fry the onions, celery and garlic till soft. 
• Stir in the tomato  and other remaining ingredients. Return/Add back  the balls  in tomato mixture 
• Cover and summer  for 15 minute or  until the sauce is thick and the balls are cooked 
• Serve with spaghetti  and sprinkle with permission cheese and fresh basil leaves  (if you like). 

Tandoori chicken stripes

This name derives from the famous Tandoori clay oven used in most Indian barbecues . But however for most of homesteads they don’t have the Tandoori.This should be a reason why people should not enjoy Tandoori breads or Tandoori meats. You can as well use your normal charcoal jiko, grill or even oven.The marinade will work for either boneless or whole chicken pieces. But remember to remove the skin if using whole chicken pieces. 

Ingredients :

Serves 2

• 250g chicken boneless, 

For the Marinade 

• 1/4 cup plain yoghurt 
• 1/2tsp garage masala 
• 1/2tsp ground cumin
• 1 /2 top ground coriander seeds
• 1/2 tsp Chilli powder (optional) 
• 1 tbs tomato paste (puree) 
• 2 cloves garlic (finely chopped) 
• 1 inch ginger crushed 
• Juice from 1/2 lemon 
• 1 bunch coriander leaves (dhania) chopped 
• 1/4tsp turmeric powder 

Method :

• To make the marinade, place all the ingredients (except the chicken) in a deep mixing bowl  and mix well. 
• Prepare the boneless chicken by slicing horizontal strips of 1 inch thick and then slice  across 1/2 inch  to get a long thin strap 
• Put the chicken strips in a shallow dish and pour over the marinade. 
• Toss the mixture to coat well, cover and refrigerate for 3-6hrs or preferably  overnight. 
• Remove the chicken from the marinade  and put each into a curvy shape in every skewer(depending on the size of your skewer stick) 
• If using the oven  grill, preheat  and line a baking tray with foil, Or if it’s a griddle just preheat and put your skewers on. 
• Grill for 5 minutes until browned  and cooked, turning once or twice 
• 

Serve with a salad and a Naan bread