Molokhia, or jute, is a leafy green plant that is traditionally cooked in a meat broth. Every country in the Middle East cooks molokhia differently. The most popular way in Palestine is minced molokhia, cooked with chicken or beef stew, and garnished with lemon juice. Uncooked molokhia tastes extremely bitter. Once you cook it, the bitterness goes away and it turns into a slimy stew.
Historically, this dish was only served to Egyptian Pharaohs because of its many health benefits. Molokhia is known for its high levels of fiber, potassium, iron, calcium and magnesium, containing more than 30 vitamins and minerals. It is a dish meant for "muluk" or kings! And that's how Molokhia got its name! Over the years, this dish made its way to every Middle Eastern table.
It's very difficult to find fresh Molokhia leaves in the United States. You can try to look for it at any international food market or at farmers markets.
Growing up, the international food market by our house carried fresh molokhia when it was in season. I remember my mom coming home with multiple bags of molokhia, ready to be picked, washed and dried. She always freezes her own molokhia. I have a lot of respect for that because it takes hours to pick a huge bag of leaves, resulting in enough leaves to only serve 2 people!
Now, I wouldn't buy fresh molokhia, even if I found it! Don't get me wrong. I do prefer fresh ingredients over frozen, but... it's way too time consuming and I don't have the patience to go through the process of picking and washing it. This is totally fine because every Middle Eastern grocery store sells the frozen variety. There are two options: minced and whole leaves. For this recipe, make sure to get the minced version.
The funny thing is when I was younger, I always knew when we were having molokhia for dinner. I could smell the garlic the second I walked through the front door after school. This dish has so much garlic in it!
Traditionally, molokhia is served with rice or pita bread and garnished with fresh lemon juice. It doesn't require that many ingredients and it comes together quickly!
Molokhia
ملوخية
Servings: 4
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 60 minutes
Ingredients:
2 bags frozen minced molokhia (400 grams/14 oz each, total 800 grams/28 oz)
1 pound chicken breast, or 4 pieces of bone-in chicken thighs or drumsticks*
1/2 onion, sliced
3 bay leaves
8 garlic cloves, minced
1 Tbsp vegetable oil
1 teaspoon salt, or to taste
Juice from 1 lemon
Directions:
1) In a pot, add chicken, onions, and bay leaves. Cover with water and bring to a boil. Cook until chicken is tender, about 40 minutes. Skim any excess fat that rises to the top.
2) Once the chicken is fully cooked, set the meat aside and reserve 2 cups of the chicken broth.
3) In a medium sized pot, add 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil and heat on low. Add the minced garlic, stirring constantly, for 30 seconds, or until cooked. Make sure the garlic doesn't burn!
4) Add the frozen molokhia, chicken, and salt to the pot. Slowly add the reserved broth, about 1 cup. Depending on your preferred consistency, you can add more or less broth. I find that for 2 bags, I usually use about 1.5 cups of broth.
5) Cook the molokhia for about 10 minutes on medium heat.
6) When ready to serve, transfer to a serving bowl and add with fresh lemon juice. Enjoy with my white vermicelli rice or warm pita bread.
Notes:
- If you're using chicken breast, you can shred the chicken after you cook it. If you're using bone-in chicken, keep it as is and add it to the molokhia.
- If you're short on time, you can use low sodium chicken broth and shredded rotisserie chicken.
FAQs
Molokhia refers to the leaves of Corchorus olitorius, commonly known in English as , jute mallow or Jew's Mallow. It is used as a vegetable and is popular in Middle East and African countries and is called “Saluyot” in the Philippines. Molokhia is rather bitter.
What is Molokhia soup made of? ›
Molokhia (also spelled as Mulukhiyah) is a traditional soup made of few ingredients: Broth, jute mallow leaves (fresh, dry or frozen), garlic, coriander, ghee (butter or oil), salt and pepper. That is it! The Molokhia leaves are deep green leaves that are scientifically known as Jute Mallow.
Why is molokhia haram? ›
It is said Fatimid Caliph Al Mu'iz al-Din Allah ate the dish to deal with digestive illness. A successor, Al-Hakim Bi Amr Allah, banned the dish ostensibly for its purported aphrodisiac qualities but probably for its association with a rival ruler.
Can you eat molokhia raw? ›
Molokhia, or jute, is a leafy green plant that is traditionally cooked in a meat broth. Every country in the Middle East cooks molokhia differently. The most popular way in Palestine is minced molokhia, cooked with chicken or beef stew, and garnished with lemon juice. Uncooked molokhia tastes extremely bitter.
Is molokhia the same as spinach? ›
Mulukhiyah (also mloukhiya, molokhia, molohiya, mulukhiyya, malukhiyah, or moroheiya (Arabic: ملوخية)) is the leaves of Corchorus olitorius. It is more commonly known as Nalta jute, tossa jute, jute, Egyptian spinach, Jews mallow, Jute mallow, or saluyot and is used as a vegetable like spinach.
Is molokhia the same as okra? ›
According to acclaimed food writer Claudia Roden, its lineage can be traced to the pharaohs of Ancient Egypt. The molokhia plant belongs to the same botanical family as okra, malvaceae. Similar to okra, molokhia thickens as it cooks.
Why was molokhia banned in Egypt? ›
Even though Molokhia is so popular now-a-days, there was a time when it was banned and rarely to be found in a household. According to folklore, during the 10th century Fatimid dynasty, the Caliph of Cairo outlawed the consumption of the green food because of its alleged aphrodisiac effect on women.
Is molokhia a Superfood? ›
Fun Fact: Molokhia is a little-known (to US-born folks) superfood, packing in way more carotene and calcium than regular spinach. Popular in many Middle Eastern cuisines, Molokhia tastes similar to spinach and can be added to stew as a thickening agent.
Who eats molokhia? ›
It is used as a vegetable and is mainly eaten in Egypt, the Levant (Syria, Lebanon, Palestine and Jordan), Sudan, Cyprus, Libya, Tunisia and Algeria.
What is forbidden food in Arabic? ›
Haram (forbidden) A variety of substances are also considered unlawful (haram) for humans to consume and therefore, the consumption of them is forbidden by the Sharia (Islamic law). Certain animals are considered haram, including land animals without blood, including all insects except locusts.
Ethnopharmacological relevance
Molokhia is highly consumed in Egypt as edible and medicinal plants, and its leaves are used for the treatment of pain, fever, and inflammation.
Is molokhia good for stomach? ›
Molokhia falls into the class of cruciferous vegetables, which have generous amounts of dietary fiber, which can help to prevent constipation if you are so inclined. Fiber helps t bulk stool, ensures it is adequately hydrated and facilitates uninterrupted transit through the digestive tract.
What do we call molokhia in English? ›
This Middle Eastern super-green, known also as Molokhia or Jew's mallow, is the leaves of Corchorus olitorius. The Egyptian term Molokhia means “vegetable for kings” because its use dates back to the time of the pharaohs when an Egyptian king drank a soup to recover from an illness.
Is molokhia good for your hair? ›
It is known to be great for skincare, fighting dry skin and has acne fighting properties, anti-aging properties, etc. Also great for hair - makes soft, healthy, stronger hair, naturally moisturizes and reduces graying. Overall, great for digestion and also great for healthy eyesight.
What is molokhia Arabic to English? ›
Mulukhiyah, also known as mulukhiyya , molokhiyya, melokhiyya, or ewedu, is a type of jute plant and a dish made from the leaves of Corchorus olitorius, commonly known in English as jute, jute leaves, jute mallow, nalta jute, or tossa jute.
What is molokhia similar to? ›
Popular in many Middle Eastern cuisines, Molokhia tastes similar to spinach and can be added to stew as a thickening agent.
What are the benefits of molokhia in English? ›
It is known to be great for skincare, fighting dry skin and has acne fighting properties, anti-aging properties, etc. Also great for hair - makes soft, healthy, stronger hair, naturally moisturizes and reduces graying. Overall, great for digestion and also great for healthy eyesight.
