Egyptian Molokhia | Jute Mallow Soup

Egyptian Molokhia | Jute Mallow Soup

Egyptian molokhia is a beloved dish made from finely chopped jute leaves simmered in a flavorful broth. Traditionally, it's prepared with chicken and served alongside vermicelli rice, pita bread, and sometimes a rich stew like pot kebab. The molokhia itself has a distinctive, slightly slimy texture that makes it incredibly comforting. Its unique flavor comes from the addition of garlic fried in butter and ground coriander, which create a mouthwatering depth of taste. This dish is a staple in Egyptian households and is often enjoyed during family gatherings or special occasions.

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Ingredients

(Seasonings should be added to taste.)

For the Chicken Broth:

• 1 whole chicken

• 1 yellow onion

• 4 dried bay leaves

• 6 cardamoms

• 6 cloves

• sea salt

• black pepper

• 1 gallon water

For the Molokhia:

• 3 cups chicken broth (from above)

• 14 ounces molokhia, finely chopped

• 2 heads of garlic, finely minced

• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter

• ground coriander

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Instructions

Prepare the Broth

Begin this recipe by preparing a flavorful homemade broth. Place a whole chicken in a large pot and add a whole yellow onion, dried bay leaves, cardamoms, cloves, sea salt, and black pepper. Pour in enough water to fully submerge the ingredients and bring it to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to medium-low and allow it to gently simmer for 45 minutes. While the broth cooks, skim any foam from the surface to keep the broth clear and rich in flavor.

Prepare the Molokhia

After the broth is ready, transfer the chicken broth to a fresh pot. Add the finely chopped molokhia to the pot and stir it frequently over medium-low heat. It's important to avoid letting the molokhia boil, as this can scorch it and ruin its delicate texture.

Prepare the Garlic Mixture

While the molokhia is simmering, finely mince garlic and fry it in butter until it turns golden brown. Once the garlic is ready, add ground coriander to the pan and let it cook for a moment.

Combine the Garlic and Molokhia

Position the pan with the garlic mixture over the pot of molokhia. Scoop the molokhia and let it pour onto the fried garlic, allowing the sizzling aroma to fill the kitchen. Stir everything together right before the molokhia is finished cooking.

Finish and Serve

Once the garlic has been incorporated, turn off the heat and cover the pot. Let it rest for a few moments before serving. Molokhia is best served with vermicelli rice, pita bread, and pot kebab for a delicious, traditional Egyptian meal.

Vegan-Friendly Tips

For a vegan version of this recipe, simply replace the chicken with vegetable broth and use plant-based butter instead of dairy butter. The molokhia will still be delicious and comforting without compromising on flavor!