Sautéed Collard Greens with Garlic and Mitmita

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Tender Ethiopian-style collard greens seasoned with fragrant garlic and spicy mitmita for a vibrant side dish. This african-inspired vegetarian (vegetarian) ready in about 25 minutes pairs washed and chopped collard greens, thinly sliced garlic cloves, niter kibbeh 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. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 10 min Cook: 15 min Serves 4 African cuisine 90 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp niter kibbeh in a large skillet over medium heat until melted and hot, about 2 minutes.
  2. Step 2: Add 4 thinly sliced garlic cloves and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant and lightly golden, stirring frequently.
  3. Step 3: Add 1 lb chopped collard greens and 1/4 cup water, stirring to combine.
  4. Step 4: Cover the skillet and cook for 8 minutes over medium heat until the greens are tender but still bright green.
  5. Step 5: Remove the lid, sprinkle 1 tsp mitmita spice powder and 1/2 tsp salt over the greens, stirring well to evenly coat.
  6. Step 6: Cook uncovered for another 2 minutes to allow the spices to infuse and excess moisture to evaporate.
  7. Step 7: Serve hot as a flavorful side to stews or injera.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Sautéed Collard Greens with Garlic and Mitmita take to make?

Total time is about 25 minutes (10 min prep + 15 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 Sautéed Collard Greens with Garlic and Mitmita?

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 thinly sliced garlic cloves from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Sautéed Collard Greens with Garlic and Mitmita?

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 Sautéed Collard Greens with Garlic and Mitmita 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 Sautéed Collard Greens with Garlic and Mitmita 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.