It can be spelled Molokhia, Mulukhiya, Malukhiya, Molokia; A.k.a: Juteplante in Germany, Jew’s mallow in the UK, corète potagère or chanvre du bengale in France, Crain-Crain or Krin-Krin in francophone’s Africa, Corchorus Olitorius in Latinand finally, in Arabic, ملوخية. Until my trip to a Syrian grocery store yesterday in Bay Ridge, NY, I had never heard of it. It is a very well known Middle Eastern & African mucilaginous leave-vegetable that grows easily; it belongs to the family of the Tiliacea. It as been cultivated for century both in Africa and Asia, it is found wild on both continents.
Same family as jute (white jute is Corchorus capsularis and Tossa jute Corchorus olitorius). Raw jute was exported to the western world to make cordage, ropes and is better known in the USA as burlarp.
Once cooked the leaves produce a viscous or gooey texture similar to okra. I bought a frozen pack and since I knew nothing about it, I just followed the simple recipe on the package, just adding a few pickled chili pepper . Next time I will add a few drops of fresh lemon juice.
Molokhia Soup Recipe
Drop frozen molokhia in 2 cups of boiling water or broth.
Mix often until totally unfrozen.
In a sauce pan melt 1 tbsp of butter and lightly brown 6 finely chopped garlic cloves adding a pinch of coriander.
Add the molokhia, stir, adjust seasoning and serve.
So voilà! my dinner last night: Molokhia soup and a batch of home made French fries. It was a quick, unusual and satisfying dinner.
dear nicole, mlukhia is one of my favorite dishes. you can make it from the dried leaf as well, but fresh or frozen is much, much better. it is often served over boiled or roasted chicken; the accompaniments are what make it very fun. rice, diced red onion, chilies, sumac, pickles (like turnip or cauliflowers pickled with allspice and vinegar), and of course, the vinegar which is liberally sprinkled. the balance of hot and sour is delicious over the green glop with rice.
Where can I buy the frozen Mouloukhia. I would appreciate if you send me some information. I lived a long time in the Middle East and love it.
Sylvana, depends where you are , but in the USA most of middle eastern grocery stores have it. Good luck! I can be more specific if you are in NYC.