🇪🇹 Ethiopia · Food
Gomen
By eatmundo · September 8, 2026
🇪🇹 ETAI-generated imageGomen is a classic Ethiopian dish consisting of slow-cooked collard greens or kale seasoned with aromatic spices. It is a healthy, flavorful vegetarian staple often enjoyed during fasting periods.
Ingredients
check them off as you prepareHow to Make It
- 1
Wash 500g of kale thoroughly, remove the tough central stems, and chop the leaves into rough, bite-sized ribbons.
- 2
Blanch the kale in boiling salted water for 5 minutes until it wilts, then drain well and set aside to remove excess moisture.
- 3
In a large pan, heat 3 tbsp of vegetable oil over medium heat and sauté 1 finely diced onion until soft and golden, about 8 minutes.
- 4
Add 2 minced garlic cloves and 1 tsp of grated ginger to the pan, cooking for 1 minute until fragrant; be careful not to let the garlic brown.
- 5
Stir in 0.5 tsp of turmeric, mixing well to coat the onion base, creating a beautiful vibrant yellow color.
- 6
Add the blanched kale to the pan and mix thoroughly, allowing the flavors to penetrate the leaves for about 10 minutes over low heat.
- 7
Season with 1 tsp of salt to taste, stirring one final time before serving warm, ideally alongside injera or as part of a vegetable platter.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Gomen?+
Gomen is a traditional Ethiopian dish of cooked greens, typically collard greens or kale, flavored with onion, garlic, ginger, and turmeric. It is a cornerstone of the vegetarian Ethiopian cuisine.
Can I use collard greens instead?+
Yes, traditional Ethiopian Gomen often uses collard greens; kale is an excellent substitute that cooks similarly.
How do I remove the bitterness?+
Blanching the kale in boiling water for a few minutes before sautéing helps reduce any natural bitterness and ensures the greens are tender.
Can I make it spicy?+
Absolutely, many variations include sliced green chilies or a touch of mitmita to add a spicy kick to the mellow flavors.
Is Gomen vegan?+
Yes, Gomen is naturally vegan, making it a perfect dish for the Ethiopian Orthodox fasting periods where no animal products are consumed.
🇪🇹 ETAI-generated image
