Cookbook:Gomen (Ethiopian Collard Greens)

Gomen (Ethiopian Collard Greens)
Category	Side dish recipes
Difficulty

Cookbook | Ingredients | Recipes

Gomen is a popular Ethiopian dish made with collard greens and seasoned with aromatic spices. This flavorful and nutritious side dish is a staple in Ethiopian cuisine and pairs well with injera, the traditional Ethiopian flatbread.

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon grated ginger
• 1 teaspoon turmeric
• ½ teaspoon paprika
• ½ teaspoon cumin
• ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
• 1 large bunch of collard greens, washed and chopped
• Salt, to taste
• Freshly squeezed juice from ½ lemon, for added tanginess

Equipment

• Large pot or Dutch oven
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Cutting board
• Chef's knife

Procedure

1. Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat.
2. Add the chopped onions to the pot and sauté until they become translucent and slightly browned.
3. Stir in the minced garlic and grated ginger, and sauté for an additional minute until fragrant.
4. Add the turmeric, paprika, cumin, and cayenne pepper (if using) to the pot. Mix well to combine the spices with the onions and garlic.
5. Add the chopped collard greens to the pot and stir to coat them with the spice mixture. Cook for a few minutes until the collard greens start to wilt.
6. Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and simmer for about 20–25 minutes, or until the collard greens are tender and fully cooked. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
7. Season with salt to taste and add the freshly squeezed lemon juice. Mix well to incorporate the flavors.
8. Remove the pot from heat and let rest for a few minutes before serving.
9. Serve hot as a side dish with injera or any other bread of your choice.

Notes, tips, and variations

• You can add other vegetables like carrots or bell peppers to the dish for added flavor and color.
• Adjust the spiciness of the dish by adding more or less cayenne pepper according to your taste preferences.
• Collard greens can be tough, so make sure to chop them into smaller pieces to aid in the cooking process.
• If you prefer a softer texture, you can cook the collard greens for a longer period until they reach your desired tenderness.
• Spicy gomen: Increase the amount of cayenne pepper or add some crushed red pepper flakes to make the dish spicier.
• Creamy gomen: Add a splash of coconut milk or a dollop of yogurt to create a creamy texture and add richness to the dish.
• Collard greens are highly nutritious and packed with essential vitamins and minerals such as vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin K, calcium, and iron. They are rich in dietary fiber.