How to Make the Perfect Molokhia
Egyptian · Medium · 55 min · 4 servings
Molokhia is a beloved Egyptian green soup made from finely chopped jute leaves cooked in a rich chicken broth and finished with a sizzling garlic and coriander infusion. It is served over rice or with bread and is considered one of Egypts most iconic comfort dishes.
Why this recipe works
This Molokhia recipe has been crafted to deliver restaurant-quality results in your home kitchen. At just 55 minutes from start to finish, it fits perfectly into a busy schedule without sacrificing flavor. Each serving comes in at 280 calories with 22g of protein, making it a balanced choice for any meal.
What you will need
This recipe uses 6 simple ingredients that you can find at any grocery store:
- 500 grams frozen chopped molokhia leaves
- 1 whole chicken cut into pieces
- 6 cloves garlic minced
- 2 teaspoons ground coriander
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 cups chicken broth
Step by step instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken Broth
Simmer chicken pieces in 6 cups of salted water with onion and bay leaf for 30 minutes until fully cooked. Remove the chicken, strain the broth, and keep it hot over low heat.
Step 2: Cook the Molokhia
Bring 4 cups of strained chicken broth to a gentle simmer and stir in the frozen chopped molokhia leaves. Cook for 5 minutes stirring frequently until the leaves are fully thawed and the soup develops its characteristic slightly thick consistency.
Step 3: Make the Tarka
In a small pan melt butter over high heat and fry minced garlic until golden and fragrant about 60 seconds. Quickly add ground coriander stir for 15 seconds then immediately pour the entire sizzling mixture into the molokhia soup.
Step 4: Serve
Ladle molokhia over white rice and top with shredded cooked chicken. Serve with a side of toasted pita bread and a small bowl of tomato and onion salad dressed with vinegar.
Easy substitutions
Missing an ingredient? Here are some swaps that work perfectly:
- frozen molokhia → fresh molokhia leaves finely chopped
- unsalted butter → clarified butter or ghee
Common mistakes to avoid
Watch out for these pitfalls that can affect your results:
- Boiling the molokhia too vigorously which breaks down the texture and makes it slimy
- Adding the tarka too slowly which reduces its aromatic impact on the soup
Nutrition facts
Per serving: 280 calories, 22g protein, 18g carbs, 12g fat, 4g fiber.
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