Entree: Ethiopia – Addis Ababa – ጎመን በስጋ ➤ Gomen Besiga (Braised beef stewed with spiced collard greens cooked in seasoned clarified butter)
Serving Size: 4
Approximate Time
Prep
20 min
Cook
50 min
Total
1 hr 10 min
Ingredients
- 1 lb (454 g) beef chuck, trimmed and cut into 1/2-inch (1 cm) pieces
- 1 lb (454 g) collard greens (gomen), stems removed and chopped
- 3 tbsp (45 ml) niter kibbeh (Ethiopian spiced clarified butter)
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped, approx. 8 oz (225 g)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced (about 9 g)
- 1 tbsp (15 g) fresh ginger, grated
- 1–2 green chilies, thinly sliced (optional), approx. 10–20 g
- 1 tsp (2 g) berbere spice (or 1/2 tsp for mild heat)
- 1/2 tsp (1 g) ground fenugreek seeds or pinch of cardamom (optional)
- 1 cup (240 ml) beef broth or water
- 1 tbsp (15 ml) lemon juice (about 1/2 lemon)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- Injera or steamed rice for serving (optional)
Instructions
1. Heat 2 tbsp (30 ml) of the niter kibbeh in a heavy-bottomed skillet or pot over medium-high heat. Add the beef pieces and brown on all sides, working in batches if needed. Remove and set aside.
2. Reduce heat to medium and add the remaining 1 tbsp (15 ml) niter kibbeh. Sauté the chopped onion until soft and translucent, about 6–8 minutes.
3. Add the garlic, ginger, and sliced chilies (if using); cook 1–2 minutes until fragrant. Stir in the berbere and fenugreek/cardamom, toasting briefly to bloom the spices.
4. Return the browned beef to the pot. Add the chopped collard greens and pour in the beef broth. Stir to combine, bring to a gentle simmer, then reduce heat to low.
5. Cover and cook until the beef is tender and the greens are soft, about 40–50 minutes, stirring occasionally and adding a splash more broth or water if the mixture becomes too dry.
6. Uncover, increase heat slightly, and cook a few minutes to concentrate flavors if needed. Stir in the lemon juice and season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Serve hot with injera or steamed rice, spooning the gomen besiga over the starch and enjoying the rich, spiced butter flavor.
