Moroccan Mallow Salad with Preserved Lemon and Olives - Khoubiza or Bakoula

·         Prep: 15 mins,

·         Cook: 30 mins

Yield: Serves 4 as a side

Common mallow (khoubiza or bakoula) grows wild in Morocco, and it's not unusual to see people gathering the leaves from fields, empty lots or wherever else they might find them. They're also sold in large bunches in souks. The leaves are chopped, steamed and then sauteed with olive oil, spices, olives and preserved lemons. The resulting cooked salad is eaten as a dip with Moroccan bread.

For a fiery touch, add a roasted and minced chili pepper or a small spoonful of harissa.

The preparation is the same as for Moroccan Spinach Salad with Preserved Lemons and Olives. In lieu of mallow or spinach, you may want to try the same method with other greens; cookbook author Paula Wolfert recommends a mix of Swiss chard, purslane, arugula and beet greens.

What You'll Need

• 1/2 pound/250 grams mallow leaves, most of stem removed (about 8 cups, packed)
• 1/2 cup olive oil
• 1/2 cup chopped parsley (or cilantro, or a mix)
• 4 cloves garlic (finely chopped or pressed)
• 1 1/2 teaspoons paprika
• 1 1/2 teaspoons cumin
• 1/2 teaspoons salt, or more to taste
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 1 to 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 1 preserved lemon rind (quartered)
• Pulp from 1 preserved lemon (finely chopped)
• 1 handful of red olives

                                                How to Make It

 

     1. Wash the mallow very well several times in a large bowl of water. Drain thoroughly. Finely chop the leaves, place them in a steamer, and steam over simmering water for 15 to 20 minutes, until the leaves darken and are tender.

     2.  Squeeze out any excess liquid from the steamed mallow, and transfer the mallow to a skillet. Add the remaining ingredients (except for the olives), stir to mix, and saute over medium heat for 5 to 10 minutes until the parsley is wilted and the flavors have blended. Adjust seasoning if desired.

     1.Serve warm or at room temperature, garnishing the salad with the olives and preserved lemon rinds.