ethiopiancollard-greensveganside-dishsauteedbeginner

Gomen

Name: Gomen
Prep time: 12 min
Cook time: 14 min
Total time: 26 min
Yield: 2
Cuisine: Ethiopian
Ingredients: 400 g collard greens, stems removed and leaves sliced into thin ribbons; 30 ml olive oil; 120 g yellow onion, finely chopped; 12 g garlic, minced; 10 g fresh ginger, finely grated; 3 g ground turmeric; 4 g salt; 60 ml water; 1 g black pepper; 10 ml lemon juice

Gomen is a deeply savory, gently spiced dish of tender collard greens cooked down with onion, garlic, ginger, and turmeric. The finished greens are silky, fragrant, and brightened with a touch of lemon, making them both comforting and fresh.

26 min

2 servings

205 kcal

Ethiopian

Ingredients

Gomen

400 gcollard greens, stems removed and leaves sliced into thin ribbons
30 mlolive oil
120 gyellow onion, finely chopped
12 ggarlic, minced
10 gfresh ginger, finely grated
3 gground turmeric
4 gsalt
60 mlwater
1 gblack pepper
10 mllemon juice

Instructions

1
Wash the collard greens thoroughly, shake dry, remove any tough stems, then stack and slice the leaves into thin ribbons. Finely chop the onion, mince the garlic, and grate the ginger so everything cooks quickly and evenly.
2
Heat the olive oil in a wide sauté pan or pot over medium heat. Add the onion and cook for 4-5 minutes, stirring often, until softened and lightly golden at the edges; lowering the heat if it starts browning too fast will keep the flavor sweet rather than bitter.
3
Add the garlic, ginger, and ground turmeric. Stir constantly for 30-60 seconds until fragrant; do not let the garlic darken, or it can taste harsh.
4
Add the collard greens, salt, water, and black pepper. Toss well to coat the greens in the aromatic oil, then cover and cook for 8-10 minutes over medium-low heat, stirring once or twice, until the greens are tender but still bright and not mushy. If the pan looks dry before the greens soften, add 1-2 tablespoons more water.
5
Uncover and cook for 1-2 minutes more to evaporate excess moisture. Stir in the lemon juice, taste, and adjust salt if needed. Serve hot as a side dish or with injera, rice, or flatbread.

Nutrition per serving

205 kcal

Calories

Protein

14g

Carbs

15g

Fat

Fiber

Notes

•Slice the collard greens thinly for the best texture and fastest cooking, especially for a beginner-friendly 30-minute recipe.
•Traditional versions are often milder and let the greens, onion, and aromatics lead; avoid overpowering them with too many spices.
•For a richer finish, a little more oil can be added, but this version keeps the dish lighter while still authentic in flavor.
•Gomen pairs especially well with injera, lentils, stews, or simple roasted chicken for a flexitarian meal.

Background

Gomen is a traditional Ethiopian preparation of slow-sautéed or gently stewed leafy greens, commonly served as part of a larger platter with injera and other dishes. It is especially associated with home cooking, where simple aromatics like onion, garlic, ginger, and turmeric bring depth to everyday vegetables. The dish reflects the importance of greens in Ethiopian cuisine and its skillful use of modest ingredients.

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