Gomen Wat (Ethiopian Collard Greens)

In this dish, collard greens are richly flavored with Niter Kibbeh, a spiced clarified butter commonly used in Ethiopian cuisine. Available at Ethiopian markets, it can be substituted with butter or cooking oil along with additional spices.

Ingredients:

4 Tbsp Niter Kibbeh (see Note)

2 large onions, thinly sliced

1 tsp salt

1 Tbsp olive oil

2 Tbsp minced ginger

2 Tbsp minced garlic

1 tsp ground cumin

1 tsp smoked paprika

2 bunches of collards, washed, destemmed and chopped

¼ cup water

Note: For Niter Kibbeh, you can substitute with 4 tbsp olive oil, or  butter and ¼ tsp ground coriander, ¼ tsp ground turmeric, ¼ tsp ground fenugreek, ¼ tsp ground cinnamon

Equipment:

Chef’s knife

Cutting board

8-quart pot with lid

Grater

Bowls

Measuring cups and spoons

Wooden spatula or spoon

Ingredients:

4 Tbsp Niter Kibbeh (see Note)

2 large onions, thinly sliced

1 tsp salt

1 Tbsp olive oil

2 Tbsp minced ginger

2 Tbsp minced garlic

1 tsp ground cumin

1 tsp smoked paprika

2 bunches of collards, washed, destemmed and chopped

¼ cup water

Note: For Niter Kibbeh, you can substitute with 4 tbsp olive oil, or  butter and ¼ tsp ground coriander, ¼ tsp ground turmeric, ¼ tsp ground fenugreek, ¼ tsp ground cinnamon

Equipment:

Chef’s knife

Cutting board

8-quart pot with lid

Grater

Bowls

Measuring cups and spoons

Wooden spatula or spoon

Directions:

  1. Gather all the ingredients and equipment. Wash the produce and prepare it as detailed in the ingredients list.
  2. Warm an 8-quart pot over medium-high heat. Add the Niter Kibbeh, the onions, and 1/2 tsp of salt. Cover the pot, lower the heat to medium, and cook, stirring occasionally, for about 10 -15 minutes. Remove the lid and continue cooking uncovered until most of the liquid has evaporated, about 10 minutes more.
  3. Move the onions to make a small space in the center of the pot. Add a Tbsp of olive oil if needed, then add the  garlic, ginger, ground cumin and smoked paprika. If you are not using Niter Kibbeh, also add the coriander, turmeric, fenugreek, and cinnamon now. Cook until fragrant, about 1 minute, then stir into the onions. Cook uncovered for another 3 minutes.
  4. Add half of the collard greens, water, and the remaining ½ tsp salt. Mix with the onions and cook until the collards have wilted, leaving room to add the rest. Then, add the remaining collards and mix well.
  5. Cover the pot, reduce the heat to medium-low, and cook until the greens are tender, about 20 to 25 minutes.Taste and adjust.

Optional: Serve with injera, an Ethiopian flatbread made from teff.