Molokhia

Description

Lebanese Molokhia is a traditional stew made from tender jute leaves that are simmered in a rich, aromatic chicken broth, creating a dish that feels both comforting and deeply rooted in home cooking. The flavor begins with a base of garlic and fresh cilantro sautéed in olive oil, a step that fills the kitchen with a warm, fragrant aroma and gives the dish its signature Lebanese character.

As the jute leaves cook down, they develop a silky, soothing texture that blends beautifully with the broth, the kind of food families turn to when they want warmth and nourishment. A generous squeeze of fresh lemon juice or vinegar brightens the entire dish, cutting through the richness and adding a lively, citrusy lift that makes each bite feel balanced and satisfying.

Served over vermicelli rice with shredded chicken and sometimes topped with toasted pita and onions, Molokhia becomes a complete, layered meal that is earthy, garlicky, lemony, and deeply aromatic. Part of what makes it so delicious is not just the ingredients but the emotional connection: for many Lebanese families, Molokhia is a dish passed down from grandmothers, prepared slowly and with care, carrying memories of family gatherings, tradition, and the unmistakable feeling of being home.