Gomen Besiga: A Flavorful Ethiopian Dish with an Instant Pot Twist

Ethiopian cuisine is celebrated for its rich flavors and wholesome ingredients, and Gomen Besiga is no exception. This traditional dish combines succulent beef with nutrient-rich collard greens, making it a perfect choice for a hearty yet healthy meal. It’s keto-friendly, low in calories, and packed with nutrition, and thanks to the Instant Pot, it’s quicker and easier to prepare.

Why Gomen Besiga is a Must-Try

• Keto-Friendly: This dish is ideal for those following a ketogenic diet due to its low-carb ingredients.
• Nutrient-Packed: Collard greens are a powerhouse of vitamins A, C, and K, as well as calcium and fiber.
• Traditionally Delicious: Gomen Besiga is a beloved Ethiopian dish that brings warmth and comfort to any table.

Cooking Outdoors for the Perfect Experience

Whenever the weather allows, I prefer to cook outside. It not only helps keep my kitchen free from strong aromas but also allows me to enjoy the fresh air and sunshine while cooking.

Recipe for Gomen Besiga

Ingredients:

• 1 onion, chopped
• 1/3 cup oil (olive or vegetable)
• 2 tablespoons minced garlic
• 2 tablespoons minced ginger
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon cardamom
• 1 teaspoon mitmita (a spicy Ethiopian chili powder blend)
• Beef ribs (or your preferred cut)
• A bunch of collard greens, washed, chopped, and pre-cooked
• 1 tablespoon clarified butter
• Sliced jalapeño for topping

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Collard Greens: : Wash and chop the collard greens into bite-sized pieces. Cook them in the Instant Pot on pressure cook for 7 minutes, then set aside.
2. Caramelize the Onions:  In the Instant Pot, heat the oil over sauté mode. Add the chopped onion and cook until soft and caramelized, stirring occasionally.
3. Brown the Beef Ribs: Lower the heat and add the beef ribs to the pot. Cook until they are nicely browned on all sides.
4. Add Aromatics: Stir in the minced garlic and ginger, cooking for another minute until fragrant.
5. Season the Meat: Add the salt, cardamom, and mitmita to the pot. Cook for a few minutes to allow the spices to infuse into the meat.
6. Combine with Collard Greens: Stir in the pre-cooked collard greens and add the clarified butter. Mix well.
7. Simmer Together: Cook for an additional 5 to 10 minutes on low heat, allowing all the flavors to meld together.
8. Serve: Top with sliced jalapeño for an extra kick and enjoy!

A Note on Mitmita

Mitmita is an essential Ethiopian spice blend made from ground spicy peppers, cardamom, and various spices. Its heat and unique flavor enhance the dish, so feel free to adjust the amount to your liking!

This Gomen Besiga recipe is a delightful way to experience the flavors of Ethiopian cuisine while enjoying the health benefits of collard greens. Don’t forget to check out my previous vegan kale recipe and stay tuned for more delicious kale and collard green recipes in the future!

Happy cooking!