Molokhia
Molokhia (ملوخية) is a very popular green vegetable in Egypt, where it is considered a 'national dish' and a very ancient one.
If there is one dish with a cult following in Egypt, it would have to be Molokhia. You can always see a family eating a stew of Molokhia on any day in Egypt.
This particular vegetable, which looks like mint, yet tastes like a combination of Spinach and okra, has an ancient history rooted in Egypt to the time of the Pharaohs.
Many believe Molokhia leaves are native to Egypt, recognize that they originated during the time of the Pharaohs, and are thus referred to as Egyptian Spinach.
Despite the name, Molokhia is not a type of Spinach. Instead, it belongs to the same family of plants like okra and cacao.
Molokhia is an edible leafy vegetable widely appreciated as food and for its strong fibre. It's a nutrient-powerhouse filled with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.
There are several ways to eat Molokhia as there are health benefits.
In Egypt, they love Molokhia with rabbit, shrimp or simply plain soup with Egyptian bread or over white rice. It can also be cooked with chicken, meat or left vegetarian.
Molokhia goes by various names depending on its country of origin. Here are some of the names it's known by in different countries:
- Molokhia - Egypt and Middle East
- Ewedu - Nigeria
- Saluyot - Philippines
- Ayoyo - Ghana
- Mrenda - Kenya
- Ademe - Togo
- Wild Jute - South Africa
- Lalo - Haiti
- Rau day - Vietnam
Not everyone has access to molokhia at the farmers market; many middle eastern markets sell the leaves in the frozen section, either chopped or whole. Speaking of which; let's get to the recipe!
Molokhia is the leafy green stage of the fiber plant known as jute, which is one of the most important natural fibres, and second only to cotton in terms of quantity of production!
Read more about Jute in Good to Knows blog.
