Lebanese Molokhia Recipe
User Reviews
5
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Prep Time
10 mins
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Cook Time
55 mins
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Total Time
1 hr 5 mins
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Servings
6
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Calories
368 kcal
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Cuisine
Middle Eastern, Lebanese
Lebanese Molokhia Recipe
Description
The Lebanese Molokhia recipe utilizes Jew's mallow leaves, either fresh, dried, or frozen, carefully prepared to remove tough stems or debris. The dish is centered around a chicken broth made by simmering a whole chicken with onions, cinnamon sticks, bay leaves, and salt. The molokhia leaves are then added to the broth along with seasonings such as garlic, butter, allspice, and cilantro to develop a fragrant and savory soup.
Molokhia has a distinctive texture due to the leaves, which create a somewhat viscous or mucilaginous broth that carries the delicate herbal and spicy flavors. This dish is traditionally served hot and can be accompanied by rice or bread. The garlic and cilantro provide bright notes balancing the richness of the chicken broth and butter.
The recipe highlights the importance of thorough washing and soaking of dried leaves to remove any impurities and ensure a clean, fresh-tasting final dish. It also suggests discarding any unwanted stems to avoid bitterness. This careful preparation contributes significantly to the quality of the molokhia.
Ingredients
- 1 pound Molokhia approximately 500 grams
- 1 chicken whole
- 10 cups water (or more, to boil the chicken)
- 2 onion large
- 3 tablespoon cilantro fresh or frozen, aka coriander, chopped
- 1 bouillon cube
- 2 tablespoon butter alternatively, margarine OR vegetable oil, or ghee
- 10 cloves garlic crushed or finely minced
- 1 teaspoon allspice
- 1 tablespoon salt to boil the chicken
- ½ teaspoon salt use more, if preferred, to season the molokhia
- 4 cinnamon stick
- 3 bay leaf
Instructions
PREPARE THE MOLOKHIA LEAVES
- For dry leaves, check through the molokhia and cut out long or hard stems. If using fresh leaves, simply separate the leaves from the stalks. Also, pick out any debris. Skip this step if using frozen leaves.
- If using dried molokhia, soak the molokhia in warm water. After 15 minutes, transfer the leaves to a colander then drain off the water and rinse. Repeat this process about four times, squeeze out any excess water, then set aside. Alternatively, pour hot water over dry molokhia leaves and allow them to soak for at least 5 minutes, rinse and repeat at least four times. Skip this process if using frozen molokhia. For fresh leaves, simply clean in a bowl or under tap water until the water runs clear.
MAKE THE BROTH
- To a deep saucepan or pot, add the chicken, onion, bay leaves, cinnamon sticks, and salt. Next, add at least 10 cups of water or just enough to cover the chicken. Allow this to cook under low heat for 30 minutes.
- Once the chicken is cooked, remove the pot from the heat, sieve the broth and set the chicken aside on a plate to slightly cool. Use your hands or a large fork to pull apart or shred the chicken meat to be used in making the molokhia (mloukhieh).
COOK THE MOLOKHIA
- Add ghee, butter or margarine to a separate pan and fry the garlic. You want to keep an eye on the garlic and only cook it for just about 1-2 minutes, or until fragrant. Add the cilantro and saute for one minute.
- Next, stir in the previously cleaned molokhia leaves, salt, bouillon cube, the allspice and saute for about 2 minutes, or until well combined. Add 2-3 cups of the previously made broth. The broth should only slightly cover the leaves. Allow the molokhia with chicken to cook for 20 minutes, under medium heat.
- Once cooked, stir in the lemon juice and allow everything to simmer for another 5 minutes. Serve with Lebanese rice, cauliflower rice as a low carb option, pita bread, or your preferred side dishes.
Notes
- Remove any tough stems and debris from molokhia leaves prior to cooking to ensure a clean texture.
- Soak dried molokhia leaves multiple times in warm water, rinsing and draining thoroughly to remove dust and dirt.
- Frozen molokhia can be used directly without soaking but should be checked for impurities.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 6Serving
Amount Per Serving
Calories 368 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 368kcal | 18% |
| Carbohydrates | 9g | 3% |
| Protein | 28g | 56% |
| Fat | 23g | 35% |
| Saturated Fat | 8g | 40% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0g | 0% |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 0g | 0% |
| Trans Fat | 1g | 50% |
| Cholesterol | 105mg | 35% |
| Sodium | 1457mg | 61% |
| Potassium | 332mg | 7% |
| Fiber | 4g | 16% |
| Sugar | 2g | 4% |
| Vitamin A | 191IU | 4% |
| Vitamin C | 9mg | 10% |
| Calcium | 76mg | 8% |
| Iron | 2mg | 11% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
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