A Brief History Of Molihiya A Famous Dish From Cyprus

In late spring, Cypriots cultivate and grow Molihiya/Molehiya (jute leaves), a leafy vegetable. There is also a meal by the same name that many locals enjoy quite frequently at home and at select restaurants. Here is everything you need to know about this popular spinach-esque dish.

Mixed Origin

Also known as Jew’s mallow or Egyptian spinach, it’s said that Egyptians first brought the plant to the shores of Cyprus. It has since been incorporated into local Cypriot cuisines in the North and South. Although it’s hard to pin down the origin of this rich and spicy vegetable, some think it might be native to Egypt, though it is found in many warm climates, including in Asia and East Africa.

Homemade is Best

Although dried and prepackaged leaves can be purchased at the supermarket, these are mainly left for urban dwellers and visitors. Locals prefer picking and drying their own leaves and claim this is the best way to ensure cleanliness and superior quality.

Locals serve Molihiya with Bulgur- a cereal food made from groats of wheat

Lemons Galore

Various communities across the globe prepare and serve the dish differently, but the Cypriot preparation tends to be the most flavourful, thanks to the many seasonings and the lemon juice introduced at almost every stage of the preparation process.

Once dried in the sun, the leaves are pre-boiled in lemon juice and then cooked in a tomato-based broth with onions and garlic. Chicken or lamb may be added (vegetarians can always leave it out), and then more lemon juice may be introduced. Why so many lemons? It helps keep the broth from getting too slimy or mucilaginous.

The aromatic dish is commonly served with çörek bread (sweet leavened bread), pickled caper leaves (or any other pickles) and is often accompanied with Çoban salatası (Turkish salad). Sumac – a lemony spice – or pepper is optional, and then, as the Turkish say, “Afiyet olsun!” (Bon Appetit!)

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.