Lebanese Molokhia Recipe [Two Easy Ways]

This Lebanese Molokhia Recipe is one of our favorite meals and it is on a fortnightly rotation in the house. The best part about it is that you could freeze a portion of this meal and have it another time too. This recipe is just like the spinach and rice pilaf stew if you’re more of a fan of spinach.

Leftovers of this will keep well in the fridge for 3-4 days. I often also meal prep it and freeze portions of it. This molokhia recipe with chicken is incredibly easy to make.

Molokhia recipe with chicken

This recipe is so easy to make and I find that when I do make it, it can last for a good 3-4 days in the fridge. So I try to make more for meal prep for the week.

The best part about this recipe is that it is perfect for winter and the colder months since it is quite brothy.

If you love cozy Middle Eastern comfort food like this molokhia, you’ll probably also enjoy my zesty Lebanese lemon lentil soup. It has the same warm, homestyle vibe and works beautifully as a starter or light lunch on its own.

What sides can you have with molokhia?

A lot of people have extra lemon on top on their own plates.

I also know of a mix of vinegar and onions which people love to add on top too.

Another chilli mix on top works really well too.

Molokhia pairs so well with simple protein dishes, and my easy sheet pan fish and veggies is perfect for busy weeknights. You get a full tray of tender fish and roasted vegetables with almost no cleanup.

Tips to make this molokhia recipe tasty

Always use organic chicken with no added hormones. Also, wash the chicken with some flour beforehand because the smell of the chicken can be overpowering and I personally love to minimise that.

When frying the coriander and garlic, be sure not to over fry them. You only want to bring out their flavors slightly.

If you burn the garlic, it will produce a very different flavor.

When cleaning the leaves, I like to add them to boiling water for about 20 minutes.

Some people do this process twice to remove that slimy texture of mallow.

Also, it’s easier on your digestive system to do this.

This recipe works well with extra lemon. The leaves go so well with the lemon and garlic mixture.

I also like to add some olive oil at the end to make it extra!

See the full recipe below!

If you’re serving molokhia for a family dinner, add a plate of gluten free corn fritters on the side for extra crunch. They’re naturally crisp on the outside, soft inside, and great for dipping into sauces or yogurt.

Where can I get dried mallow for molokhia?

So I find these boxes at the convenience store or even at our major supermarkets now.

They have many Lebanese and foods in the international aisle.

Frequently Asked Questions about Molokhia

What is molokhia made of?

Molokhia is made from jute leaves that are dried, frozen, or freshly chopped depending on your region. In a classic molokhia recipe Lebanese, the leaves are simmered with garlic, coriander, and a chicken broth base. If you’re used to the minced Egyptian version, you’ll notice this Lebanese molokhia looks different because the leaves stay whole.

What does molokhia taste like?

Okay, so imagine spinach… but softer. And then imagine spinach got invited to a garlic party. That’s pretty much molokhia. It has a mild, earthy flavor that soaks up every bit of garlicky broth. A good easy molokhia recipe tastes rich, cozy, and honestly kind of addictive once you get hooked.

What is molokhia in English?

The most common translation is “jute leaves.” You might also see it labeled as Jew’s Mallow or Corchorus leaves. But in most Arabic stores, it’ll just say molokhia and you’ll spot it immediately.

Is this the Egyptian molokhia?

Nope. The Lebanese version is totally different. Egyptian molokhia is minced into a silky green soup. This molokhia Lebanese recipe keeps the leaves whole, giving you more texture. I’ll be sharing my Egyptian Arabic molokhia recipe in another article because it deserves its own moment.

What are the benefits of molokhia?

If you’ve ever wondered about the benefits of molokhia, you’ll be happy to know it’s pretty nutrient dense. The leaves are naturally high in fiber, iron, potassium, and antioxidants. It’s been a staple in Middle Eastern cooking for centuries for a reason. Many people eat molokhia when they want something comforting but still healthy.

Is molokhia healthy?

Yes, totally. A bowl of Lebanese molokhia served with chicken and rice is a balanced, hearty meal. It’s low in calories and high in nutrients. Even a vegetarian molokhia recipe made with veggie broth is nourishing and light.

How many calories are in molokhia?

It varies depending on how much rice and chicken you serve it with, but the molokhia leaves themselves are pretty light. One cup of cooked molokhia is roughly 60 to 80 calories. The rest is basically the “choose your own adventure” of toppings.

Can I use frozen molokhia in this recipe?

Yes you can. In fact, many families use a bag of frozen leaves to make a quick frozen molokhia recipe Lebanese style dinner. You’ll just need to tweak the cooking time a bit because frozen leaves soften faster. I’m adding a full how to make molokhia Lebanese using frozen bags soon, so stay tuned for that version.

Can I use dried molokhia leaves?

Absolutely. If that’s what you have on hand, dried leaves work beautifully. You’ll need to rehydrate them first, but they create a slightly deeper flavor. I’ll be posting a full dried molokhia leaves recipe and dried molokhia recipe variation as well since many people still swear by the traditional dried version.

Do I have to add chicken?

No, you can make this a molokhia recipe Lebanese vegetarian style by using vegetable broth. But if you want the classic version your teta would approve of, a chicken molokhia recipe Lebanese style is the way to go. You can use bone-in chicken for richer broth or shredded pieces for something fast.

For a lighter spread, you can balance this rich molokhia recipe with a fresh vegan chickpea salad no mayo. It’s bright, crunchy, and makes a great make-ahead side on hot days.

Lebanese Molokhia Recipe

See the full recipe along with more tips below.