I love Hummus

Hummus (spelt many other ways) is a dip or an appetizer from the Middle East. Its loved by so many that you'll find ready made versions of it in major supermarkets across the world.  There's many many recipes for Hummus, whether is Hummus Beiruty (a spicy hummus), Hummus with Meat, or Hummus with red peppers. My favorite is this version... 

Hummus and crispy pita bread chips

 Coriander Hummus

• Tin Chick Peas (Wash and drain to get rid of the sticky residue)

•  Handful fresh coriander roughly chopped

• 1.5 Tsp heaped Paprika

• Juice of 2 limes (or more... you'll have to taste the mixture)

•  1-2 Cloves Garlic

• Salt to taste

• 1-2 Tbsp Quality Olive oil

• Tahini 1.5 Tbsp

• 1/2 C water

• Fresh Green Chilly (optional)

In a blender, add the chick peas, water, lemon juice, tahini, olive oil, salt, garlic and blend until the mixture is very smooth. Add more water if you are having trouble blending the mixture. 

Add the coriander (leave a few to garnish), paprika, green chilly and blend again to a smooth paste. Taste the Hummus at this stage to make sure the flavors are balanced.

In a medium sized bowl, dish out the Hummus, make a wall in the middle, add some olive oil, sprinkle some paprika and a few coriander leaves to garnish.

Service with warm pita bread. 

Ilha de Moçambique (Islands of Mozambique)

The islands of Mozambique (Ilha de Moçambique) lie 2000 km north of Maputo and are about 3.5km long and 500m wide. Ilha is accessed by an amazing bridge built by the Portuguese that links the main land to this historic island. Ilha was named after an Arab trader Musa Al Big (pronounced musae' biki), and then adopted by mainland Mozambique.

Ilha has about 14,000 inhabitants, the majority of whom replaced the old island inhabitants as refugee migrants fleeing decades of civil war on the mainland. The Macua people of African origin were first to occupy the island, but as a strategic location between Africa and Asia, Ilha soon became a meeting point for Persians, Turks, Chinese, Indians and Indonesians under the monopoly of Arab trade. Similar to Zanzibar, Lamu and Mombassa, the island developed a 'Swahili' culture (without the language) and bred new Ilha residents born from intermarrying of cultures where Islam was the way of life.

People of Ilha | Fans at a Football Match

In 1498 with the help of an Arab pilot, Vasco D' Gama was directed from India to Ilha and by the 16th and 17th century the Portuguese followed and took power by 1570; wiping out Muslim settlements. The Portuguese left behind a legacy of stunning architectural heritage, the Portuguese language, but were unable to convert the inhabitants to Christianity. Today, the islands mosques, some of which were built back in the 12th century, are filled with worshipers, yet its many Churches remain as mere reminders of its colonial past. 

Nampula Airport's Stunning Sunset

How to get there-

LAM flies twice a week from Dar Es Salaam to Nampula via Pemba. Kenya Airways has recently started flights into Nampula twice a week. You would then need a car from Nampula to Ilha, which takes about 2 hours. Depending on whom you book the car ride with, it can cost between $100-185 one-way.

Where to stay-

Accommodation on the island is limited to a few guesthouses depending on your budget. I recommend Terraco Das Quitandas (price $200 per night) an immaculately converted old house that attempts to recreate the islands historic charm, as well as giving a very comfortable and personal stay. 

Terraco Das Quitanda

What to do-

• Stroll through the stone town and immerse in its stunning architecture

• Go for a swim near the old fort or Museum (not all areas of the island have clean beaches)

 • Hire a motorbike for the day (appox $100) and check out the entire island, as well as Makuti Town.

• Eat the freshest seafood ever! Try the local grills for lunch on the beach for an authentic taste.

*** Highlight – Take a dhow cruise around the island. It’s the best way to experience what you’ll never see walking as well as getting a close up view of the bridge that links the island to the mainland (approx $100)

Views of Stone Town

Good – interesting history, unspoilt culture, amazing seafood, very safe for tourists, amazing bridge

Bad – most beaches are used as toilets, too many ‘wanna be guides’, extreme poverty, limited accommodation and dining