Description
A traditional Moroccan side dish featuring tender sautéed mallow leaves (or spinach) infused with garlic, cumin, paprika, and fresh lemon juice. This vibrant and healthy salad is quick to prepare and perfect as a flavorful mezze or accompaniment to any North African meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Greens
- 2 cups fresh mallow leaves (or spinach as a substitute), washed and chopped
Seasoning and Dressing
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/4 teaspoon paprika
- Juice of 1/2 lemon
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Fresh Herbs (Optional)
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh cilantro
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
To Serve
- Lemon wedges
Instructions
- Heat the olive oil: In a large skillet, warm the olive oil over medium heat to create the base for sautéing your greens and garlic.
- Sauté the garlic: Add the minced garlic to the skillet and cook for about 1 minute, stirring frequently, until fragrant but not browned.
- Cook the mallow leaves: Add the chopped mallow leaves to the skillet and stir continuously for 5 to 7 minutes until the leaves have wilted and become tender.
- Add spices and seasoning: Stir in the ground cumin, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Cook for an additional minute to allow the flavors to blend thoroughly.
- Finish with lemon and herbs: Remove the skillet from heat and drizzle the lemon juice over the greens. Stir in the chopped cilantro and parsley if using, mixing well to combine.
- Serve: Let the salad cool slightly and serve warm or at room temperature, accompanied by lemon wedges on the side.
Notes
- This salad is traditionally served as a mezze or side dish in Moroccan meals.
- For additional flavor, mix in chopped preserved lemon or green olives.
- Spinach is a convenient substitute if mallow leaves are unavailable.
- Adjust seasoning to taste, especially salt and lemon juice.
- Serve with warm bread or as part of a larger Moroccan meal for an authentic experience.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/2 cup
- Calories: 90
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 160 mg
- Fat: 7 g
- Saturated Fat: 1 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 5 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 2 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
