Molokhia / Mulukhiyah
Mulukhiyah, also known as molokhia or molohiya, is a dish made from jute leaves served with rice and optional to add choice of meat. Green and slimy in texture, Molokhia is a comfort food for many and a palette pleaser for the those trying it for the first time especially our Vegetarian and Vegan friends. Its fame across the Middle East is an indication that it is a rewarding dish for those willing to give it a chance.
Ingredients
The ingredients below will accommodate 2-4 servings
Ingredients:
1 whole chicken cut into 4 pcs (or you can skip the meat for a vegetarian dish)
1 chopped onion
2 spoons of salt
4-6 cardamoms
4-6 bay leaves
4-6 all spice
1 cup of rice (You can also use small noodles with the rice)
5 cloves chopped or minced garlic
3 tbsp of oil or ghee butter
2 bags of frozen Mulukhiyah- 25-30oz (you can find it in any Middle Eastern shop, it comes frozen or dried leaves, every bag is 14oz)
Chicken seasoning:
1/4 cup of olive oil
1 tsp of salt
1 tsp ground ginger
1 tsp Italian seasoning or oregano
1 tsp of black pepper
1/4 cup of ketchup
1 tsp of paprika
Spicy Garlic Sauce:
10-20 cloves chopped or minced garlic
Optional 2 chilis or jalapeno
2 tbsp of olive oil
2 tbsp of lemon juice
Preparation
Step 1
First we have to cook the chicken- in a deep pot add the chicken, cover with fresh water and let it boil. Once the foam is on top, remove all of it, then add 1 tsp of salt, bay leaves, cardamoms, all spice and the chopped onions. Let it cook on medium heat for 30 minutes.
Step 2
To prepare the chicken seasoning in a deep bowl add the olive oil, salt, black pepper, ginger, Italian seasoning, paprika, and ketchup- mix them well. Now put the chicken on a flat tray and apply the sauce using a brush or with your hand.
Now we need to strain the chicken broth from the onions and the spices. Add the dried or frozen Mulukhiyah and let it cook on low heat for 15-20 minutes.
In a separate deep pot add ghee butter or the oil and add the small noodles. Cook on medium heat until they become brown. Then add the washed rice with 1 tsp of salt and 2 cups of warm water. Let it cook on low heat for 20 minutes or until cooked.
Step 3
Broil the chicken for 10 minutes on high heat on both sides.
While the chicken is broiling, roast the chopped garlic with oil or ghee butter until they become brown and add them to the Mulukhiyah soup. Now it's ready to be served.
Step 4
For the optional spicy garlic sauce chop or mince the garlic in a bowl and chop the chilis small. Mix them together with the lemon juice and olive oil. This delicious sauce makes the mixture of rice and Mulukhiyah outstanding in flavor.
Now you have a healthy and tasty dish. SaH-teyn (Bon appetite)!
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