Sautéed Gomen with Garlic and Red Chili Flakes

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

Tender Ethiopian collard greens sautéed with garlic and a hint of heat from red chili flakes, a simple and flavorful vegetable side. This ethiopian-inspired vegetarian ready in about 25 minutes pairs collard greens, chopped, olive oil, garlic cloves, thinly sliced 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 Ethiopian cuisine 90 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Rinse and chop 1 lb collard greens into 1-inch pieces, removing thick stems. Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat until shimmering.
  2. Step 2: Add 4 thinly sliced garlic cloves and 1/2 tsp red chili flakes to the skillet, sautéing for 1 minute until fragrant but not browned.
  3. Step 3: Add the chopped collard greens and 1/4 cup water, stirring to combine. Cover and cook for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until greens are tender and bright green.
  4. Step 4: Remove lid, season with 1 tsp salt, and cook uncovered for 2 more minutes to let any excess liquid evaporate. Serve warm as a side dish.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Sautéed Gomen with Garlic and Red Chili Flakes 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 Gomen with Garlic and Red Chili Flakes?

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 Sautéed Gomen with Garlic and Red Chili Flakes?

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 Gomen with Garlic and Red Chili Flakes 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.

What goes well with Sautéed Gomen with Garlic and Red Chili Flakes?

Ethiopian vegetarian like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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