Melokhia

melokhia (or molokhia), Corchorus olitorius, a plant related to and named after the mallow (for which melokhia is the Arabic word). It is sometimes called Jew’s mallow. It belongs to the same genus as the jute plant and is grown worldwide as a source of fibre; but the use of the dark green leaves as a vegetable is also widespread, from W. and N. Africa and the Mediterranean islands through the Middle East to Malaysia, Australia, the Pacific islands, S. America, and the Caribbean.

It is in egypt that the leaves, which are not unlike sorrel, have the greatest culinary importance. They are made into a soup, also called melokhia, to which they impart a mucilaginous/glutinous quality. This is one of the national dishes of Egypt and has acquired a symbolic importance as the typical dish of the populace, in contrast to more expensive dishes prepared in wealthier households. It is traditionally eaten with rabbit (or chicken or other bird) as a treat.