Molokhia & Rice

Molokhia & Rice Ingredients

1 box dried molokhia leaves (I use Abido brand from @mideastfoods)1 tsp salt2 tbsp lemon juiceSteps ->>> (Remove any stems or brown/yellow leaves and add them into a large bowl. Sprinkle with salt & lemon juice and fill with lukewarm water making sure to cover leaves completely. Soak for 1 hour – then drain the water and squeeze the leaves repeating until the water runs clear)1/4 cup olive oil3 onions diced6 garlic cloves grated2 lemons juiced1 tbsp salt1 tsp 7 spices1/2 tsp black pepper1/4 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)

For The Chicken

4 chicken breasts (I used skinless/boneless)2 bay leaves1 cinnamon stick1 onion cut into quarter6 cups water

Method

In a pot add chicken, bay leaves, cinnamon stick, onions and fill with water.Cook on high heat until boiling then reduce heat to med & cook for 30 mins until chicken has cooked through.Set cooked chicken aside to cool. Once cooled, shred the chicken and reserve the chicken broth.In a large pot add olive oil & onions and cook until translucent. Add garlic and cook for few more mins. *if you like cilantro you can add it now. I make mine without it*Add the washed and squeezed-dry leaves and sauté for a few mins.Using a strainer, add reserved chicken broth to the pot. If needed, add boiling water to cover all of the molokhia leaves. Add spices and cook on med heat for 20 minutes.Add the lemon juice, shredded chicken, crushed pepper (optional but I recommend). Simmer on low for another 10 minutes. Serve with vermicelli rice. Enjoy!