Mishikaki & Mtori (A TASTE OF ZANZIBAR)

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A TASTE OF ZANZIBAR
CHAKULA KIZURI
by Zarina Jafferji
Zanzibar: The Gallery Publications
gallery at swahilicoast.com; www.galleryzanzibar.com; zjafferji at aol.com
96 pages, paperback, $18
2002

   This is an attractive book, using full color.  It's in English and Swahili.  Here are two items that probably should be in the OED, but probably are not.

Pg. 47:
_Barbecued meat (Mshikaki)_
Serves 6 people
Barbecued meat is sold by many street vendors in Zanzibar.  Small pieces of beef are skewered then cooked over glowing charcoal, brushed with a chilli sauce to add flavour.
_Ingredients_
2 1/2 lbs. lamb, rump or fillet steak cut into small pieces
1 tsp. red chilli powder
1/2 tsp. black pepper
1 tbsp. ginger paste
1 tbsp. garlic paste
1 tbsp. tomato paste (optional)
2 tbsps. cooking oil
salt to taste
1 tbsp. crushed raw papaya (an optional tenderiser for meat)
_Method_
Mix all the ingredients in a large bowl and marinade the meat overnight or for at least four hours in a refrigerator.  Prepare a charcoal fire and grill the meat on skewers.  Occasionally baste the meat with oil and also brush with a chilli sauce.  Serve immediately with a green salad and Zanzibari sauce.

_Meat with banana puree (Mtori)_
Serves 6 people
This dish is prepared with savoury bananas and is deliciously creamy.
_Ingredients_
1 lb. stewing meat
6 small green bananas
2 onions chopped
2 tbsps. butter
2 cups chopped potatoes
1 tsp. garlic paste
1 tsp. ginger paste
2 fresh green chillies
1/2 cup thick coconut milk
salt and pepper to taste
_Method_
Cut the meat into small pieces and marinade in the garlic, ginger and green chillies for one to two hours.  Cook the meat in some water until tender.  Peel the bananas and add to the meat with the chopped onions.  Add water if necessary and allow to simmer until tender.  Add the butter and mash the banana.  Lastly add the thick coconut milk and cook over a low heat for a further 5 minutes.

_Meat curry (Mchuzi wa nyama)_
Serves 6-8 people.
Perfect with rice.  You can substitute chicken as well.

(Typist leaving for Zanzibar--ed.)