If you’re looking for a wholesome, protein-packed, and delicious vegan dish, look no further than mung beans! These tiny green legumes are a powerhouse of nutrition and incredibly versatile in the kitchen.
Whether you’re new to vegan cooking or a seasoned plant-based food lover, this best vegan mung bean recipe is sure to become a staple in your meal rotation. It’s easy to prepare, hearty enough to satisfy, and bursting with flavors that will leave you craving more.
Mung beans are not only nutritious but also quick cooking compared to other legumes. This recipe blends aromatic spices, fresh herbs, and simple ingredients to create a comforting dish that works perfectly for lunch, dinner, or even meal prep.
Plus, it’s gluten-free, oil-light, and packed with fiber, making it a great choice for anyone mindful of health and wellness. Get ready to enjoy a vibrant, savory bowl of mung beans that you can customize to your taste!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This vegan mung bean recipe is a celebration of flavor, health, and simplicity. Here’s why it stands out:
- High in protein and fiber: Mung beans provide essential nutrients that keep you full and energized.
- Quick and easy: Unlike many legumes, mung beans cook relatively fast, perfect for busy days.
- Rich in flavor: The blend of spices and fresh ingredients gives you a comforting yet exciting taste.
- Highly customizable: You can add veggies, grains, or herbs to match your preference.
- Great for meal prep: Keeps well in the fridge and tastes even better the next day.
Ingredients
- 1 cup mung beans, rinsed and soaked for 2 hours
- 4 cups water or vegetable broth for more flavor
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1-inch piece ginger, grated
- 1 medium tomato, chopped
- 1 tsp cumin seeds
- 1 tsp turmeric powder
- 1 tsp coriander powder
- 1/2 tsp red chili powder (adjust to taste)
- Salt to taste
- 2 tbsp fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1 tbsp coconut oil or any neutral oil
- Juice of half a lemon
Equipment
- Medium saucepan or pot with lid
- Frying pan or skillet
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Knife and cutting board
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Colander or sieve
Instructions
- Prepare the mung beans: Rinse the mung beans under cold water. Soak them in water for at least 2 hours to reduce cooking time and improve digestibility.
- Cook the mung beans: Drain the soaked mung beans and add them to a saucepan with 4 cups of water or vegetable broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to a simmer. Cover and cook for 20-25 minutes or until tender but not mushy. Drain and set aside.
- Sauté the aromatics: While the beans cook, heat the coconut oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the cumin seeds and let them sizzle for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add onions, garlic, and ginger: Toss in the chopped onion and sauté until translucent, about 5-7 minutes. Then add the minced garlic and grated ginger, cooking for another 2 minutes.
- Spice it up: Add turmeric, coriander powder, red chili powder, and salt. Stir well to combine and cook the spices for 1-2 minutes, allowing them to release their flavors.
- Add tomatoes: Mix in the chopped tomatoes and cook until they soften and break down, about 5 minutes. This creates a rich base for your mung beans.
- Combine mung beans with the spice mixture: Add the cooked mung beans to the skillet, stirring well to coat them in the spices and tomato mixture. Cook together for another 5 minutes to meld flavors.
- Finish with fresh ingredients: Stir in the chopped cilantro and squeeze lemon juice over the dish. Adjust salt and spice levels as needed.
- Serve warm: Your vegan mung bean dish is now ready to enjoy—either on its own or paired with your favorite sides.
Tips & Variations
“Soaking mung beans not only reduces cooking time but also improves digestibility, making this dish gentle on your stomach.”
- Add vegetables: For extra nutrition and color, stir in diced carrots, spinach, or bell peppers during step 6.
- Make it creamier: Stir in a splash of coconut milk or vegan yogurt for a richer texture.
- Spice alternatives: Experiment with garam masala, curry leaves, or mustard seeds for different flavor profiles.
- Use a pressure cooker: To speed up cooking, use a pressure cooker and cook mung beans for about 8 minutes.
- Serve as a stew or salad: Chill the mung beans after cooking and toss with fresh herbs, lemon, and olive oil for a refreshing salad.
Nutrition Facts
Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
---|---|
Calories | 250 kcal |
Protein | 18 g |
Carbohydrates | 40 g |
Dietary Fiber | 15 g |
Fat | 5 g |
Vitamin C | 12% of Daily Value |
Iron | 20% of Daily Value |
Serving Suggestions
This vegan mung bean recipe pairs beautifully with a variety of dishes to round out your meal. Consider serving it alongside:
- Steamed rice or quinoa for a complete protein-packed meal.
- Warm flatbreads like chapati, naan, or pita for scooping up the beans.
- A fresh cucumber and tomato salad to add crunch and brightness.
- Pickled vegetables or chutneys for a tangy contrast.
- Try it next to other vegan favorites like the Jamaican Minced Beef Recipes or the Kosher Sushi Salad Recipe for a diverse plant-based meal.
Conclusion
This best vegan mung bean recipe is a delightful fusion of nutrition, flavor, and simplicity. It’s perfect for anyone wanting a wholesome, filling meal that respects vegan principles without sacrificing taste.
The combination of earthy mung beans, vibrant spices, and fresh herbs creates a dish that’s as comforting as it is nourishing.
Whether you’re preparing a quick weeknight dinner or looking for a healthy meal prep option, this recipe has you covered. Don’t hesitate to customize it with your favorite veggies or spices to make it truly your own.
For more inspiring plant-based recipes, check out the Magic Dough Recipe or dive into the sweet side with the Marzipan Challah Recipe. Happy cooking and enjoy your mung bean masterpiece!
📖 Recipe Card: Best Vegan Mung Bean Recipe
Description: A hearty and nutritious vegan dish featuring tender mung beans cooked with spices and vegetables. Perfect as a wholesome meal or side dish.
Prep Time: PT15M
Cook Time: PT40M
Total Time: PT55M
Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 cup dried mung beans
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
- 1 teaspoon garam masala
- 1 medium tomato, chopped
- 2 cups vegetable broth
- Salt to taste
- Fresh cilantro for garnish
- 1 green chili, chopped (optional)
Instructions
- Rinse mung beans thoroughly and soak for 30 minutes.
- Heat olive oil in a pot over medium heat.
- Add chopped onion and garlic; sauté until translucent.
- Stir in cumin, turmeric, and garam masala; cook for 1 minute.
- Add chopped tomato and cook until soft.
- Drain mung beans and add to the pot with vegetable broth.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 30-35 minutes until beans are tender.
- Season with salt and add green chili if using.
- Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve warm.
Nutrition: Calories: 250 kcal | Protein: 18 g | Fat: 5 g | Carbs: 35 g
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