Habesha Gomen: Easy and Healthy Kale Recipe

Kale, a nutritional powerhouse, is known for its low-calorie content and high nutritional value. Loaded with vitamins K, A, and C, along with folate and calcium, it promotes optimal health. Ethiopian cuisine showcases kale in various forms, catering to vegetarian, vegan, and meat-loving preferences. Gomen Wot (Vegan/Vegetarian), Gomen Kitfo (Meat Lovers), and Gomen Besiga (Meat Lovers) are some of the ways you can enjoy kale in Ethiopian cuisine.

For today’s blog, we will dive into the simple Gomen Wot (Vegan/Vegetarian): Gomen Wot is a classic Ethiopian dish that highlights kale as the main star. Prepared as a savory stew, this vegan and vegetarian-friendly dish combines kale with spices, garlic, ginger, and onions. The result is a flavorful and nutrient-packed kale stew that can be enjoyed on its own or served alongside injera, the spongy Ethiopian flatbread.

Five Nutritional Facts of Kale.

1. Rich in Vitamins: Kale is a nutritional powerhouse, particularly rich in vitamins. It’s an excellent source of vitamin K, crucial for blood clotting, and provides a significant amount of vitamin A, essential for vision, skin health, and immune function.

2. High in Fiber: Kale is a great source of dietary fiber, promoting digestive health. High fiber content helps regulate blood sugar levels, keeps you feeling full for longer, and supports a healthy digestive system.

3. Loaded with Antioxidants: Kale is packed with antioxidants such as beta-carotene and flavonoids. These compounds help neutralize harmful free radicals in the body, reducing oxidative stress and inflammation, and potentially lowering the risk of chronic diseases.

4. Abundant in Minerals: Kale is a good source of minerals like calcium, potassium, and magnesium. Calcium is essential for bone health, potassium helps regulate blood pressure, and magnesium is involved in various biochemical reactions in the body.

5. Low in Calories, High in Nutrients: Kale is a nutrient-dense leafy green that is relatively low in calories. This makes it an excellent choice for those looking to maintain a healthy weight while still ensuring they get a variety of essential nutrients like vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.

Incorporating kale into your diet can be a great way to boost your overall nutrient intake and promote better health.

Simple Kale Recipe (Habesha Gomen wot)

Ingredients:

• 1 bunch of kale, washed and chopped
• 1 large onion, finely chopped.
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon fresh ginger
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Water, as needed (most of the time not needed)

Instructions:

1. Boil a cup of water and precook the Kale (For this recipe I have used my Instant pot on pressure cooking setting for 7 minutes, this will cut the cooking time in half).

2. Heat the vegetable oil in a large pan over medium heat.

3. Add the chopped onions and sauté until they become translucent.

4. Add the minced garlic and grated ginger to the onions. Cook for another minute, stirring frequently.

5. Stir and cook for a couple of minutes until the spices are fragrant.

6. Add the chopped kale to the pan and mix well with the onion and spice mixture.

7. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Stir to combine.

8. Reduce the heat to low, cover the pan, and let the kale cook down for about 10-15 minutes. If it starts to stick, you can add a splash of water.

9. Check the kale for tenderness. Once it’s cooked to your liking, remove it from the heat.

10. Serve the Gomen Wot on its own or with injera, the traditional Ethiopian flatbread.

Enjoy your Habesha Gomen Wot served with Ethiopian Injera and stay tuned for similar upcoming recipe blogs and make sure to check out the others refreshing, vegan and vegetarian-friendly dishes like the Ethiopian beets dish and Ethiopian tomato Salad.