(ORDO NEWS) — Molochia is a type of plant in the jute family. It is also called Korchorus, Jewish mallow, Jute mallow or Nalta. According to legend, a dish from this plant healed a sick Egyptian ruler in the 10th century. However, over time, molochia was banned throughout the country due to the aphrodisiac effect it had on women.
Today in Egypt, this plant can be safely bought and used for its intended purpose. But in the X century, the caliph of Cairo considered that it acts on women as an aphrodisiac, and forbade eating it. Apparently just in case
Known throughout Egypt, the soup made from the leaves of the Molochia plant was once considered a unique dish due to its healing power.
Legend has it that a healing soup made from this plant cured an Egyptian ruler in the 10th century. Thanks to this, Molochia and dishes from it were recognized as “the food of kings.” And they prepared it exclusively for the rulers.
The popularity of Molochia is also evidenced by artifacts found in Egypt. Thus, the author of the book “Treasure Trove of Benefits and Variety at the Table: A XIV-Century Egyptian Cookbook” notes that the ancient Egyptians depicted various food, including Molochia leaves.
Despite the fact that the plant grew (and now grows) in Egypt in large quantities, ordinary people were forbidden to eat it – after all, “the food of kings.”
Moreover, a story has been preserved in Egyptian folklore that one of the rulers of Egypt from the Fatimid dynasty in the 10th century banned the use of a viscous soup from molochia because of its supposed aphrodisiacal effect on women.
But these days, all restrictions have already been lifted, and the plant is a staple of Egyptian cuisine. Leaves are inexpensive, so anyone can buy them. Although the official national dish is koshari (a vegetarian mixture of rice, chickpeas, pasta and lentils), most Egyptians consider molochia to be the symbol of the country.
This slimy soup made from finely chopped leaves is usually eaten in the evening along with rice, bread or meat. It also regularly appears on the menu of Egyptian restaurants.
At the same time, there are different traditions for the preparation and use of molokhia. In coastal towns such as Alexandria, the locals make a soup of the leaves and add shrimp to it. And in the rural outback of the country, the dish is served with wild rabbit meat.
The restaurants and cafes of Egypt also have their own unique recipes for making molokhia. In some establishments, a cow’s tail bone broth is first boiled for three hours, after which finely chopped fresh plant is slowly added.
As for the beneficial properties, thanks to which, perhaps, the Egyptian ruler was cured in the 10th century, molochia contains vitamins C and E, as well as potassium, iron and fiber. And last year, a study was published that showed that the leaves of this plant can prevent intestinal inflammation and obesity.
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