Molokhia and the Egyptian table
Why molokhia is a household favourite and how it is traditionally served.
Molokhia is a green leafy soup made from finely chopped jute leaves, and it has been part of Egyptian home cooking for generations. Its silky texture and the aroma of garlic and coriander make it instantly recognisable.
The flavour: the signature step is the ta'leya, garlic crushed and fried with ground coriander and added to the pot at the end, which gives molokhia its distinctive aroma. It is cooked in a rich broth, commonly chicken, and some families prefer it with rabbit or beef.
How it is served: molokhia is usually eaten with white rice or Egyptian bread, with the cooked chicken on the side. A little lemon juice or chopped onion in vinegar is a popular addition.
Serve it hot and fresh. If you order it for delivery, keep the soup and the rice separate until you are ready to eat, and reheat the soup gently without boiling it hard.
