Molohiya (Cypriot Jute Mallow and Chicken Stew)
Local name: Μολοχιά / Molehiya
In short: Chicken simmered with jute mallow leaves, onion, garlic and coriander seed into a thick, dark green stew finished with plenty of lemon. It takes about 1 h 20 min in total and makes 4 servings.
- Prep
- 20 min
- Cook
- 1 h
- Total
- 1 h 20 min
- Servings
- 4
- Difficulty
- Medium
- Calories
- 380 kcal
Molohiya is a leafy green stew that Greek Cypriot and Turkish Cypriot cooks alike make through the warm months. The leaves of jute mallow turn silky as they simmer, giving the broth a gentle body, while coriander seed, garlic and lemon keep the flavor bright. Chicken is the usual protein, though lamb and beef are also used. Serve it over rice or with bread. Frozen leaves, sold in Middle Eastern and Greek shops, make it easy to cook anywhere.
Instructions
- Pat the chicken dry and season with 1 teaspoon of the salt and the pepper. Heat 2 tablespoons of the oil in a heavy pot over medium-high heat and brown the chicken for 4 minutes per side. Set it aside.
- Add the remaining oil and the onions to the pot and cook for 6 minutes, until soft. Stir in the garlic and crushed coriander seeds for 1 minute.
- Stir in the tomato paste for 1 minute, then add the water and return the chicken to the pot. Bring to a simmer, cover and cook for 25 minutes.
- Add the frozen molohiya, breaking up any large lumps, and stir. Simmer partly covered for 20 minutes, until the leaves are silky and the chicken reaches 74°C (165°F).
- Stir in the lemon juice and the remaining 1/2 teaspoon of salt. Simmer for 5 minutes more and taste for lemon and salt.
- Serve in shallow bowls over rice, with lemon wedges on the side.
Tips
- Cannot find jute mallow? Use a mix of chard and spinach, added for only 10 minutes. The flavor is different, but the stew still works.
- Taste for lemon at the end. The stew should taste noticeably bright, which balances its earthy depth.
Questions and answers
Where can I buy molohiya?
Look for frozen or dried jute mallow leaves, labeled molokhia, mloukhia or molohiya, in Middle Eastern, Greek and Cypriot grocery stores or online.
Can I make molohiya ahead of time?
Yes. It keeps in the fridge for up to 4 days and freezes for 3 months. Reheat gently and add a squeeze of lemon.
Is molohiya slimy?
The leaves thicken the broth and give it a silky feel, a little like okra but milder. Cooking it gently and adding lemon at the end keeps the texture pleasant.
How long does it take to make Molohiya (Cypriot Jute Mallow and Chicken Stew)?
About 1 h 20 min in total: 20 min of preparation and 1 h of cooking.
How many calories are in Molohiya (Cypriot Jute Mallow and Chicken Stew)?
About 380 kcal per serving, with 27 g of protein, 12 g of carbohydrates and 25 g of fat. These values are estimates.
Nutrition per serving
| Calories | 380 kcal |
|---|---|
| Protein | 27 g |
| Carbohydrates | 12 g |
| Fat | 25 g |
| Fiber | 5 g |
| Sugar | 5 g |
| Sodium | 780 mg |
Estimated values, calculated from the ingredients.
