Description
Moroccan Mallow Salad is a vibrant and nutritious side dish featuring tender blanched mallow leaves sautéed with garlic, cumin, and paprika, finished with a bright splash of lemon juice. This traditional North African recipe offers an earthy flavor profile and soft texture, commonly enjoyed as part of a mezze spread or alongside grilled meats. It’s a simple yet flavorful vegan and gluten-free salad that highlights the essence of Moroccan cuisine.
Ingredients
Scale
Salad
- 2 cups fresh mallow leaves (or substitute with spinach if unavailable)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon sweet paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- Juice of 1/2 lemon
Optional Garnishes
- Chopped preserved lemon
- Chopped olives
- A pinch of chili flakes
Instructions
- Prepare the mallow leaves: Thoroughly wash the mallow leaves to remove any dirt or grit. Remove any tough stems to ensure tenderness. Bring a pot of water to a boil, then blanch the mallow leaves for 2 to 3 minutes until wilted. Drain them well and squeeze out any excess moisture. Finely chop the cooked mallow for easier mixing in the salad.
- Sauté the aromatics: Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned, releasing its aroma.
- Cook the salad: Stir in the chopped mallow leaves, ground cumin, sweet paprika, and salt into the skillet. Cook while stirring frequently for 4 to 5 minutes to combine the flavors and warm the leaves through.
- Finish and serve: Remove the skillet from heat and stir in the fresh lemon juice. Allow the salad to cool slightly before serving either warm or at room temperature. Garnish with optional preserved lemon, chopped olives, or a pinch of chili flakes for added flavor if desired.
Notes
- This traditional North African side dish is commonly served as part of a mezze platter or alongside grilled meats.
- Mallow, known as “khobiza” in Moroccan Arabic, is valued for its soft texture and earthy taste.
- If fresh mallow leaves are unavailable, spinach is a suitable substitute.
- Adjust the amount of spices and chili flakes to taste for desired heat and flavor.
