Gomen Wat (Ethiopian Collard Greens)

4.75 from 4 votes

Gomen Wat (Ethiopian Collard Greens)

Gomen Wat, also known as Ethiopian collard greens, is a traditional side dish that's a staple in many homes. Made with collard greens and a mix of seasonings, it's a flavor packed side dish that's healthy and goes with just about everything.

Prep Time10

Cook Time25

Total Time35

Course: Main Course

Diet: Gluten Free

Servings:

Calories: 93kcal

Author: Tayo Oredola

Ingredients

3 tablespoon niter kibbeh Ethiopian spiced butter
2 bunches collard greens chopped
1 onion chopped
2 cloves garlic minced
2 tomatoes chopped
1 tablespoon smoked paprika
1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1 teaspoon cumin
½ teaspoon coriander
½ teaspoon cardamom
1 teaspoon black pepper
Salt to taste

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

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.

Recipe Variations

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.
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.
Green Pepper Slices: Instead of serving this dish with bread, serve it with green pepper slices as a low-carb alternative.
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 keeping it plant-based.
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 additions to collard greens.
Crunchy Topping: Finish the dish with a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds or chopped nuts for a yummy crunch.

Nutrition