Egypt / Soup
Molokhia (Egyptian Jute Mallow Soup)
Molokhia is a popular Egyptian soup made from the leaves of the jute mallow plant. It is a comforting and flavorful dish that is often enjoyed with rice or bread. Molokhia has a unique texture and a distinct earthy taste, making it a beloved staple in Egyptian cuisine.
Ingredients
- jute mallow leaves, fresh or frozen2 cup
- vegetable or chicken broth4 cup
- olive oil2 tbsp
- onion, large, finely chopped1
- garlic, minced3 clove
- ground cumin1 tsp
- salt, to taste
- black pepper, to taste
- lemon juice, juice of 1 lemon, optional1
- cooked rice or bread, for serving
Quantities are auto-calculated from the original recipe as a guide. Items without numbers (e.g. “to taste”) are not changed.
Method 8 steps
If using fresh molokhia leaves, remove any tough stems and wash the leaves thoroughly. If using frozen molokhia, thaw it according to the package instructions.
In a saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté until the onion becomes translucent and the garlic becomes fragrant.
Add the fresh or thawed molokhia leaves to the saucepan and stir well to combine with the onion and garlic mixture.
Pour in the vegetable or chicken broth, ensuring that the molokhia leaves are fully submerged.
Season the soup with ground cumin, salt, and black pepper to taste. Stir to incorporate the spices.
Bring the soup to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for about 20–30 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
Remove the soup from the heat. Optionally, squeeze the juice of a lemon into the soup and stir well to enhance the flavors.
Serve the molokhia hot, accompanied by cooked rice or bread.
