Tunisian Mloukhia
Mloukhia is a hearty and flavorful stew made from jute mallow leaves, slow-cooked with lamb or beef, and seasoned with a blend of aromatic spices. It has a unique, slightly viscous texture and a deep, savory flavor, often described as being between sorrel and spinach. Traditionally served with crusty bread, it's a dish that embodies the rich culinary heritage of Tunisia.
🧂 Ingredients
- 100 g Mloukhia powder
- 500 g Lamb shoulder or beef(cut into 2-inch pieces)
- 100 ml Olive oil
- 1 medium Onion(chopped)
- 6 cloves Garlic cloves(minced)
- 3 leaves Bay leaves
- 1 tsp Harissa(or to taste)
- 1 tbsp Ras el hanout or couscous spice blend
- to taste Salt
- to taste Black pepper
- 1.5 liters Water(approximately)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- 2
Add the meat pieces to the pot and sear them on all sides until browned. Remove the meat and set aside, leaving the oil in the pot.
- 3
Add the mloukhia powder to the pot with the remaining oil. Stir vigorously to form a paste. Gradually add about 1 liter of boiling water while continuously stirring to prevent lumps. The mixture will be thick.
- 4
Bring the mloukhia mixture to a gentle simmer over low heat. Add the bay leaves, harissa, and spice blend. Stir well.
- 5
Return the seared meat to the pot. Add enough hot water to almost fill the pot (about 0.5 liters more), ensuring the meat is submerged. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Be cautious with salt as mloukhia can be naturally salty.
- 6
Cover the pot and let it simmer on low heat for at least 3 to 4 hours, or until the meat is very tender and the mloukhia has a rich, dark color. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. The oil should rise to the surface when the dish is ready.
- 7
Remove the bay leaves before serving. Serve hot with crusty bread for dipping.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓The long simmering time is crucial for developing the deep flavor and unique texture of mloukhia.
- ✓Stir frequently, especially in the beginning, to prevent the mloukhia from sticking to the bottom of the pot.
- ✓Taste and adjust seasoning carefully, as mloukhia can be quite salty on its own.
- ✓Mloukhia often tastes even better the next day, making it a great dish to prepare in advance.
✨ Twist Ideas
Inspiration for your own version of this recipe
- Use beef instead of lamb.
- Add a tablespoon of tomato paste along with the harissa for a slightly different flavor profile.
- Some variations include adding a whole head of garlic, cut in half, during the simmering process.