Ethiopian Gomen Braised Collard Greens

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Slow-cooked collard greens simmered with garlic, ginger, and mild spices for a vibrant and hearty Ethiopian vegetable side. This african-inspired vegetarian (vegetarian) ready in about 50 minutes pairs collard greens, chopped, medium yellow onion, diced, garlic cloves, minced for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 90 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart.

★ 4.3 (12 ratings) Prep: 10 min Cook: 40 min Serves 4 African cuisine 90 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a large pot over medium heat until hot.
  2. Step 2: Add 1 diced medium yellow onion and sauté for 5 minutes until softened and translucent.
  3. Step 3: Stir in 4 minced garlic cloves and 1 tbsp grated ginger, cooking for 2 minutes until fragrant.
  4. Step 4: Add 1 tsp turmeric powder, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper, stirring to coat the aromatics.
  5. Step 5: Add 1 lb chopped collard greens and 1 cup water or vegetable broth, stirring to combine.
  6. Step 6: Cover the pot, reduce heat to low, and simmer for 30 minutes until the greens are tender and flavors meld.
  7. Step 7: Remove lid, increase heat to medium, and cook uncovered for 5 minutes to evaporate excess liquid.
  8. Step 8: Stir in 1 tbsp lemon juice, adjust seasoning if needed, and serve warm as a side dish.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Ethiopian Gomen Braised Collard Greens take to make?

Total time is about 50 minutes (10 min prep + 40 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Ethiopian Gomen Braised Collard Greens?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep collard greens, chopped from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Ethiopian Gomen Braised Collard Greens?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Ethiopian Gomen Braised Collard Greens for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

Is Ethiopian Gomen Braised Collard Greens vegetarian?

Yes — this recipe is tagged vegetarian based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.

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