HealthDiscover the health-boosting secrets of Egyptian molokhia soup

Discover the health-boosting secrets of Egyptian molokhia soup

Molokhia soup is considered the healthiest soup in the world.
Molokhia soup is considered the healthiest soup in the world.
Images source: © Getty Images
Aneta Polak

30 May 2024 15:18

If you want to diversify your daily menu and introduce some exotic flavours, try the recipe for an Egyptian speciality – molokhia soup. This dish will undoubtedly surprise you with its unique taste, but more importantly, it also has incredible health benefits.

Molokhia leaves, the main ingredient in this soup, can be found in health food stores and larger supermarkets. Molokhia soup is one of the most recognizable dishes of Egyptian cuisine, but you can also taste it in Cyprus or Tunisia.

The distinctive feature of this dish is its slightly sticky consistency and somewhat bitter taste. Molokhia is rich in many valuable nutrients such as vitamins A and C, B vitamins, iron, magnesium, calcium, zinc, and beta-carotene. Therefore, it is often said to be one of the healthiest soups in the world.

Some consider molokhia an aphrodisiac. Additionally, it has antioxidant properties that help reduce the risk of cancer, destroy free radicals, and slow down the body's ageing process.

The ingredients needed to prepare molokhia soup are:

  • 1 package of frozen molokhia leaves
  • 1 litre of chicken broth
  • 2 tablespoons finely chopped cilantro
  • 2 tablespoons finely chopped garlic
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • half a teaspoon of cayenne pepper
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • salt
  • pepper
  • lemon

To prepare molokhia soup, start by heating olive oil in a pan and sautéing half the garlic with salt and cilantro. Do this carefully to avoid burning the mixture. Then, add the thawed molokhia leaves and fresh garlic to the broth prepared with vegetables and meat.

Cook the soup for about 20 minutes, then add the sautéed garlic and cilantro. Finally, simmer the dish a little longer, and add fresh lemon juice and some pepper. Molokhia is served with rice or couscous and meat from the broth.