Ethiopian Spiced Collard Greens
Ethiopian Spiced Collard Greens, known as Ye'abesha Gomen, is a vibrant dish that highlights the use of leafy greens, a staple in African cuisine. This version pays homage to the rich culinary traditions of Ethiopia, blending the earthy flavors of collard greens with aromatic spices and the gentle heat of Anaheim chilies. The dish can be enjoyed warm as a comforting side or served at room temperature for a refreshing salad-like experience. This healthy dish is not only nourishing, but it also provides a delightful taste of Ethiopian culture, making it a perfect addition to any meal for those looking to explore African flavors.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
8
Ingredients
Ingredients
collard greens
1 lb (washed, stemmed, and chopped)
water
2 cups (divided for cooking)
olive oil
3 tablespoons (for sautéing)
red onion
1 cup (chopped)
garlic
1/2 teaspoon (minced)
fresh ginger
1/4 teaspoon (minced)
salt
to taste (for seasoning)
anaheim chilies
3 medium (cut into thin strips)
Instructions
1
Begin by washing the collard greens thoroughly to remove any dirt or grit. Inspect them for discolored spots and remove any tough, woody stems. Chop the greens into bite-sized pieces and set them aside.
2
In a heavy saucepan, combine the collard greens with 1 cup of water. Cover the pot and bring it to a rolling boil over medium-high heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and simmer for about 20 minutes, or until the greens are tender.
3
After the greens have cooked, drain them and reserve the cooking liquid. Chop the collard greens into smaller pieces, if desired.
4
In a large, heavy skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped red onions and sauté them until they are softened and lightly browned, about 5-7 minutes.
5
Stir in the minced garlic and ginger, cooking for another minute until fragrant. Then add the cooked collard greens along with the reserved cooking liquid and the remaining 1 cup of water.
6
Season the mixture with salt to taste and cook uncovered over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until most of the liquid has evaporated and the greens are almost dry, about 10-15 minutes.
7
Add the sliced Anaheim chilies to the skillet and cook for an additional 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together. Remove from heat and serve the dish warm or at room temperature.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Ye'abesha Gomen?
Ye'abesha Gomen is the traditional Ethiopian name for this spiced collard greens dish, which is a staple in African cuisine.
What are the main ingredients in Ethiopian Spiced Collard Greens?
The main ingredients include collard greens, water, olive oil, red onion, garlic, fresh ginger, salt, and Anaheim chilies.
Is this recipe vegetarian and vegan?
Yes, this recipe is naturally vegetarian and vegan-friendly as it uses olive oil and plant-based ingredients.
How long does it take to boil the collard greens?
The collard greens should be simmered in boiling water for about 20 minutes or until they are tender.
What kind of chilies are used in this Ethiopian dish?
The recipe calls for 3 medium Anaheim chilies, which provide a gentle heat.
Can I serve this dish cold?
Yes, while it can be served warm, it is also delicious at room temperature as a refreshing salad-like dish.
Do I need to remove the stems from the collard greens?
Yes, you should remove any tough, woody stems before chopping the greens into bite-sized pieces.
What type of oil is used for sautéing the vegetables?
The recipe specifies using 3 tablespoons of olive oil.
How do I prepare the ginger for this recipe?
The fresh ginger should be minced; you will need about 1/4 teaspoon.
How much water is needed in total?
The recipe requires 2 cups of water in total, divided between the boiling process and the final sautéing step.
What type of onion is best for this dish?
Red onions are used in this recipe, chopped and sautéed until softened.
Should I discard the cooking liquid from the greens?
No, you should drain the greens but reserve the cooking liquid to add back into the skillet later.
How much garlic is required?
You will need 1/2 teaspoon of minced garlic.
Is this dish considered spicy?
It has a gentle heat due to the Anaheim chilies, though it is described more as vibrant and aromatic than overwhelmingly hot.
How long should I sauté the red onions?
Sauté the red onions for about 5-7 minutes until they are softened and lightly browned.
How do I clean the collard greens before cooking?
Wash the greens thoroughly to remove dirt or grit and inspect them for any discolored spots.
What should be the final texture of the greens?
The greens should be cooked until most of the liquid has evaporated and they are almost dry.
When do I add the Anaheim chilies to the pan?
Add the sliced Anaheim chilies to the skillet during the last 5 minutes of cooking to allow the flavors to meld.
How much collard greens do I need?
The recipe calls for 1 lb of collard greens.
Should the skillet be covered while the greens are sautéing?
No, you should cook the mixture uncovered over medium heat to allow the liquid to evaporate.
What are the aromatic base ingredients?
The aromatic base consists of red onions, minced garlic, and fresh minced ginger.
How do I prepare the Anaheim chilies?
The Anaheim chilies should be cut into thin strips before being added to the dish.
How much salt should I add?
Salt should be added to taste to season the mixture during the sautéing process.
Can I chop the greens smaller after boiling?
Yes, after boiling and draining, you can chop the greens into smaller pieces if desired before sautéing.
How long do I cook the garlic and ginger?
Stir in the garlic and ginger and cook for about one minute until they become fragrant.
Is this a traditional African recipe?
Yes, it is an Ethiopian dish that highlights culinary traditions common in African cuisine.
What is the first step of the recipe?
The first step is washing, stemming, and chopping the collard greens into bite-sized pieces.
What happens to the liquid in the final stage?
The liquid is cooked off over medium heat until the dish is almost dry, which takes about 10-15 minutes.
Is this recipe suitable for a healthy diet?
Yes, it is described as a healthy and nourishing dish featuring leafy greens and fresh aromatics.
What makes the flavor profile unique?
The unique flavor comes from the blend of earthy greens, pungent ginger and garlic, and the specific mild heat of Anaheim chilies.