Prepare to tantalize your taste buds with a dish that's not just a meal, but a cultural experience! Middle Eastern Mlukhiya and Chicken is a hidden gem of cuisine that transforms simple ingredients into a symphony of flavors that will transport you straight to the bustling markets and warm kitchens of the Middle East. This hearty, comforting dish is more than just food - it's a story of tradition, warmth, and culinary magic waiting to be discovered in your very own kitchen.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 45 mins
Total Time: 1 hrs
Cuisine: Middle Eastern
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken, cut into pieces
- 1 cup mlukhiya (jute leaves)
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
Instructions
- Begin by gathering all your ingredients: 1 lb of chicken cut into pieces, 1 cup of mlukhiya (jute leaves), 4 cups of chicken broth, 2 cloves of garlic minced, 2 tablespoons of olive oil, and salt and pepper to taste.
- In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1-2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to let it burn.
- Add the chicken pieces to the pot, seasoning them with salt and pepper. Cook the chicken for about 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally, until it is browned on all sides.
- Pour in the chicken broth, ensuring the chicken is fully submerged. Increase the heat to high and bring the mixture to a boil.
- Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for approximately 30 minutes. This will allow the chicken to cook through and become tender.
- After 30 minutes, add the mlukhiya (jute leaves) to the pot. Stir well to combine the leaves with the chicken and broth.
- Continue to simmer for an additional 10-15 minutes. The mlukhiya will thicken the broth slightly and infuse it with flavor.
- Once the cooking time is complete, taste the dish and adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper if necessary.
- Remove the pot from heat and let it sit for a few minutes before serving.
- Serve the Mlukhiya and chicken hot, ideally over a bed of rice or with warm bread on the side to soak up the delicious broth.
Tips
- Choose Fresh Ingredients: The quality of mlukhiya (jute leaves) is crucial. If using dried leaves, rehydrate them properly before cooking.
- Don't Rush the Simmering: Low and slow is the key to tender chicken and a rich, flavorful broth. Be patient during the cooking process.
- Garlic Matters: Use fresh garlic and be careful not to burn it when sautéing - it can quickly turn bitter.
- Seasoning is Essential: Taste and adjust salt and pepper throughout the cooking process to build depth of flavor.
- Serving Suggestion: Serve over fluffy rice or with warm, crusty bread to soak up the delicious broth.
- Make Ahead Tip: This dish often tastes even better the next day, as the flavors continue to develop overnight.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 295kcal
Carbohydrates: g
Protein: g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 80mg
