Mulukhiyah

Mulukhiyah

Mulukhiyah is a beloved Middle Eastern stew made with tender beef and vibrant mulukhiyah leaves, simmered to create a rich and flavorful dish. It is traditionally enjoyed with lemon juice and served alongside rice or pita bread for a complete meal.

Beef

Prep Time

15 min

Cook Time

40 min

Servings

4

Mulukhiyah holds a special place in Middle Eastern cuisines, cherished for its unique texture and earthy flavor. This dish features hearty beef cubes cooked to perfection and combined with the distinctive green mulukhiyah leaves, known for their nutritional benefits and mucilaginous consistency that thickens the stew. The preparation begins by sautéing onions in fragrant olive oil, followed by searing the beef to lock in its juices. Simmering the meat gently extracts deep flavors, creating a comforting broth that forms the stew's base. Adding frozen mulukhiyah leaves brings a burst of green and a slightly herbal note, enhanced by a subtle garlic-infused olive oil drizzle. Traditionally, Mulukhiyah pairs wonderfully with fresh pita bread or fluffy short-grain rice, allowing you to scoop up the luscious stew. A squeeze of lemon juice adds a bright, tangy contrast that elevates the flavors, making each bite a flavorful experience steeped in heritage and warmth.

Ingredients

  • 800 g Mulukhiyah
  • 1 chopped Onion
  • 300 g Beef
  • 1 tsp Salt
  • 1 litre Water
  • 1 Garlic Clove
  • 0.5 cup Olive Oil

Instructions

Begin by heating 3 to 4 tablespoons of olive oil in a sturdy pan over medium heat. Gently sauté the chopped onions until they become soft and translucent, releasing their sweet aroma. Next, add the beef cubes or chicken cutlets to the pan. Sear them on each side for 3 to 4 minutes until they develop a delicious golden crust, which helps seal in the juices. Pour in 1 liter of water—or just enough to cover the meat—and bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat. Allow the meat to cook thoroughly; if you have a pressure cooker, use it to tenderize the meat efficiently by cooking for about 5 minutes under pressure. Once the meat is tender, stir in the frozen mulukhiyah leaves. Stir continuously until the leaves fully thaw and the mixture returns to a gentle boil, integrating all the flavors beautifully. In a separate smaller pan, warm between 1/4 to 1/2 cup of olive oil over medium-low heat with the cloves of garlic. Cook slowly until you can just smell the fragrant garlic—be careful not to brown it, as this will introduce bitterness. Pour the aromatic garlic-infused oil into the mulukhiyah stew. Lower the heat and let the stew simmer gently for another 5 to 10 minutes to meld the flavors together. Season the dish with salt to taste. Before serving, provide a generous squeeze of fresh lemon juice to add a vibrant acidity that complements the richness of the stew. Offer this nurturing dish alongside steaming short-grain rice or warm pita bread. For an extra touch, consider garnishing with fresh herbs such as cilantro or parsley.

Quick Info

Prep Time
15 min
Cook Time
40 min
Total Time
55 min
Servings
4