If you are craving an authentic, healthy African dish, try Gomen Wat (Ethiopian Collard Greens). Featuring collard greens as the star ingredient, this traditional Ethiopian side dish is bursting with a combination of spices and flavors – it’s sure to become a go-to in your kitchen!
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❤️ Why you’ll love it
Gomen Wat is one of the most popular side dishes in Ethiopia – if you go into the home of a local,you’re sure to find it on their dinner table. This staple in Ethiopian cuisine is often served alongside traditional Ethiopian dishes or with injera,a popular Ethiopian flatbread.
Gomen Wat is made with simple ingredients that really pack a punch. Many of us have tried traditional southern collard greens,and you can think of this recipe as an African version of this classic dish –it’s one of my favorite Ethiopian recipes and vegetarian dishes.
You’ll love the robust and earthy flavor of collard greens mingling with the warmth of Ethiopian spices. Adding Niter Kibbeh elevates this dish,bringing an aromatic quality that makes it a standout side or main course –this recipe rivals that of Ethiopian restaurants!
🧾 Ingredients Used
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- Vegetables: Collard greens,tomatoes,garlic,and onions form the delicious base of Gomen Wat,providing a nutrient-rich and flavorful foundation.
- Niter Kibbeh (Ethiopian Spiced Butter):This essential Ethiopian ingredient,a spiced clarified butter,adds depth,richness,and a distinctive aroma to the dish. You could also use olive oil instead of butter if you’re dairy-free or don’t have any butter on hand.
- Spices: Smoked paprika,cayenne pepper,cumin,coriander,cardamom,black pepper,and salt create the complex and well-balanced flavor of Gomen Wat.
🔪 How To Make This Recipe
- First,add the Niter Kibbeh to a pot on medium heat,allowing its aromatic spices to infuse the dish with flavor.
- Once the Niter Kibbeh has melted,add onions,garlic,and tomatoes to the pot,creating a fragrant base for the collard greens.
- Add cumin,coriander,and cardamom,and let it cook for about 5 minutes on low heat.
- Add the chopped collard greens and stir.
- Add salt,black pepper,paprika,and cayenne pepper,adjusting the seasoning according to your taste preferences.
- Allow the mixture to simmer for about 20 minutes on medium-high heat,stirring intermittently. Continue cooking until most of the water has evaporated and the collard greens are tender and infused with the spices.
- Taste the cooked collards and add a pinch of salt if needed.
🥫 Storing and Reheating
Store any leftover Gomen Wat in an airtight container in the refrigerator. To reheat,gently warm this authentic Ethiopian side dish on the stovetop,adding a splash of water if needed to maintain its moisture and flavor. You can also microwave this dish to reheat if you’re short on time.
💭 Helpful Tips
- Serve with Injera or Low-Carb Alternatives: Traditionally,Gomen Wat is served with injera,a type of Ethiopian flatbread. For a low-carb option,consider pairing it with cauliflower rice or keto-friendly bread.
- For an extra layer of heat and complexity,incorporate Ethiopian berbere spice into the dish. Adjust the quantity according to your spice tolerance for an authentic Ethiopian flavor.
- Quick and Easy Version: Use pre-washed and chopped collard greens to cut down on prep time. This is particularly handy for a quick weeknight dinner without compromising on flavor.
- Batch Cooking for Meal Prep: Prepare a larger batch and portion it into containers for easy meal prep. Gomen Wat reheats well and can be a convenient and tasty option for busy days.
- Add Cloves of Garlic: For extra flavor,chop garlic cloves and add them as the dish is cooking.
- Lemon Juice: When this dish is finished cooking,add a squeeze of lemon juice for extra acidity.
💭 Recipe Variations
- Green Pepper Slices: Instead of serving this dish with bread,serve it with green pepper slices as a low-carb alternative flavor.
- Vegan Twist with Oil: Make this dish vegan-friendly by replacing Niter Kibbeh with high-quality vegetable oil,olive oil,or avocado oil infused with Ethiopian spices. This variation maintains the essence of the dish while catering to plant-based preferences.
- Citrus Zest: Add a burst of freshness by incorporating citrus zest,such as lemon or orange,just before serving. This lifts the flavors and adds brightness to this dish.
- Experiment with Greens: Explore different leafy greens to add variety and unique textures. Swiss chard,kale,spinach,or even green cabbage can be excellent alternatives or complementary additions to collard greens.
- Crunchy Topping: Finish the dish with a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds or chopped nuts for a yummy crunch.
🍽️ What can I eat this recipe with?
You can pair Gomen Wat with a variety of Ethiopian dishes,such as Doro Wat (spicy chicken stew), Sega Wat (Ethiopian beef stew),or Tibs (grilled meat). Misir wat,made from red lentils,is another fantastic option that goes well with this dish.
This authentic Ethiopian veggie side dish also complements a simple bowl of rice or can stand alone as a flavorful and nutritious main course. On a low-carb diet,I like to eat mine with cauliflower rice.
It’s perfect if you’re trying to get more greens into your diet!
👩🍳 Frequently asked questions
Ethiopian Gomen Wat is traditionally made with collard greens,but kale can also be used as well. Butter and spices are also used in this recipe to add flavor.
Luckily,Ethiopian food is not only delicious,but it is extremely healthy as well,made with a variety of spices and vegetables. The mixture of healthy greens in this Gomen Wat recipe makes it one of the healthiest side dishes!
There are so many delicious ways to eat collard greens,but this recipe,made with butter and a variety of spices,might be one of the best!
In Ethiopian cuisine,injera is often the base of the meal,used to scoop up stews or to compliment vegetables,meats,salads,or rice dishes.
📖 Recipe
Gomen Wat (Ethiopian Collard Greens)
If you are craving an authentic,healthy African dish,try Gomen Wat (Ethiopian Collard Greens). Featuring collard greens as the star ingredient,this traditional Ethiopian side dish is bursting with a combination of spices and flavors –it’s sure to become a go-to in your kitchen!
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Servings:6
Calories:93kcal
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Instructions
Add Niter Kibbeh to a pot.
3 tablespoon niter kibbeh
When melted,add onions,garlic,and tomatoes.
1 onion,2 cloves garlic,2 tomatoes
Add cumin,coriander,and cardamom,and let it cook for about 5 minutes on low heat.
1 teaspoon cumin,½ teaspoon coriander,½ teaspoon cardamom
Add the chopped collard greens and stir.
2 bunches collard greens
Add salt,black pepper,paprika,and cayenne pepper.
1 teaspoon cayenne pepper,1 teaspoon black pepper,Salt to taste,1 tablespoon smoked paprika
Cook for about 20 minutes,stirring every few minutes,till the water is mostly evaporated.
Taste for salt and add more if needed.
Notes
- For an extra layer of heat and complexity,incorporate Ethiopian berbere spice into the dish. Adjust the quantity according to your spice tolerance for an authentic Ethiopian flavor.
- Quick and Easy Version:Use pre-washed and chopped collard greens to cut down on prep time. This is particularly handy for a quick weeknight dinner without compromising on flavor.
- Batch Cooking for Meal Prep:Prepare a larger batch and portion it into containers for easy meal prep. Gomen Wat reheats well and can be a convenient and tasty option for busy days.
- Add Cloves of Garlic:For extra flavor,chop garlic cloves and add them as the dish is cooking.
- Lemon Juice:When this dish is finished cooking,add a squeeze of lemon juice for extra acidity.
Nutrition
Calories:93kcal| Carbohydrates:8g| Protein:3g| Fat:7g| Saturated Fat:0.1g| Polyunsaturated Fat:0.2g| Monounsaturated Fat:0.1g| Cholesterol:3mg| Sodium:16mg| Potassium:181mg| Fiber:4g| Sugar:2g| Vitamin A:3945IU| Vitamin C:23mg| Calcium:161mg| Iron:1mg