Healthy Molokhia Egyptian Spinach Stew

Egyptian spinach or Molokhia is a dish of healthy greens commonly eaten in Egypt. Corchorus olitorius or Egyptian spinach and Molokhia is a tall annual herb that grows in the wild throughout Africa and is an important vegetable to her people. 

Egyptian Spinach Stew for sale

The dried leaves can be used as a thickener in soups. A tea is also made from the dried leaves. The young leaves and tender shoots are used as a leafy green vegetable. 

The leaves are very nutritious, rich in beta-carotene, iron, protein, calcium, folate, and dietary fiber. According to Flora Zimbabwe, the plant goes by many names in Southern Africa; Derere, Gwisha, Idelele, Indian jute, and Ngenge. 

Molokhia or Egyptian spinach, Jute mallow, or saluyot is eaten widely in Egypt and numerous Egyptian recipes exist celebrating the leafy green vegetable. Molokhia is also known as the king's soup due to its healing powers.

Molokhia Egyptian Spinach Stew

Ingredients

4 handfuls fresh Egyptian spinach leaves, chopped

1 medium onion, chopped

2 medium tomatoes, diced

1 tablespoon tomato paste

2 tablespoons butter (optional)

2 tablespoons minced garlic

3 bay leaves crushed

1 teaspoon ground coriander

½ teaspoon ginger

½ teaspoon allspice

1 hot pepper chopped

Salt and pepper to taste

1 hot pepper chopped

1 tablespoon vinegar

5 cups vegetable broth

Directions

Add all ingredients to a large pot simmer 30 minutes over medium heat serve over rice.