Gomen (Ethiopian spiced cabbage)

An Ethiopian dish of cabbage and greens simmered with ginger, garlic and turmeric. Mild, fragrant and light, it is a healthy, colourful side or plant-based main.

Prep time: 10 min  |  Cook time: 20 min  |  Servings: 4  |  Difficulty: Very easy

Calculated per portion from Anses Ciqual 2025 values for each ingredient, based on the quantities in the list. Household measures (spoonfuls, pieces) use average weights. 125 kcal · 2 g protein · 10 g carbohydrate · 7 g fat

Ingredients

• 1/2 green cabbage (or kale)
• 1 onion
• 3 cloves of garlic
• 1 piece of ginger
• 1 tsp turmeric
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 carrot

Method

1. Fry the onion, garlic, ginger and turmeric.
2. Add the sliced cabbage and the carrot.
3. Add a little water and cover.
4. Simmer for 15 minutes until the cabbage is tender.

Nutritional benefits

Cabbage is low in calories but rich in fibre, vitamin C and antioxidants, while turmeric and ginger have anti-inflammatory properties. Gently simmered, gomen is a healthy, mild and colourful Ethiopian side dish, ideal if you are watching your weight. Naturally vegan and gluten-free.

Variations and substitutions

• With kale (the traditional gomen).
• With potatoes for a complete dish.
• Spicier: add chilli.
• Served with lentils (misir wot) and injera.

Storage and making ahead

Keeps for 3 days and reheats well.

💡 Good to know

Gomen is often served with a spiced lentil dal (misir wot): together they make a complete, balanced plant-based meal.

Related reading

Discover more vegetarian recipes · vegan recipes · weight-loss recipes · gluten-free recipes · dairy-free recipes.

The foods in this recipe: cabbage · onion · garlic · ginger · turmeric.

You might also like these recipes: Homemade ratatouille · Baba ganoush (aubergine dip) · Tomato and cucumber gazpacho.