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!
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.