By Dr. Leah Alexander | Published on October 7, 2023 | Last Updated on October 7, 2023
Bubur kacang hijau, also known as mung bean sweet porridge, is a classic Indonesian dessert that has been enjoyed for centuries by people on the archipelago and beyond. It’s easy to make with only a few simple ingredients, yet it’s incredibly rich in flavor and perfect for any occasion.
This recipe will show you how to create the perfect bubur kacang hijau, with a creamy mung bean base and just the right amount of sweetness. So, let’s get started. Follow these simple steps to make a delicious bubur kacang hijau that is sure to please everyone!
What is bubur kacang hijau?
Bubur Kacang Hijau is a traditional Indonesian dessert that’s cherished by many for its comforting and delightful flavors. Its name translates to “green bean porridge,” which aptly describes this sweet delicacy. The main ingredient is mung beans, also known as green beans, which are cooked until they are tender and creamy.
This dessert is typically sweetened with sugar and a hint of citrusy aroma is added using dried tangerine peels, making it a multi-layered treat for the senses. Bubur Kacang Hijau is not just a dessert; it’s a bowl of warmth and comfort that captures the essence of Indonesian cuisine.
Why You’ll Love this bubur kacang hijau?
There are several reasons why you’ll love Bubur Kacang Hijau. Firstly, it’s the perfect blend of sweet and savory, offering a unique taste that stands out from typical desserts. The creaminess of the mung beans paired with the rich, tropical flavor creates a texture and taste that’s truly irresistible.
Secondly, it’s incredibly nutritious. Mung beans are packed with beneficial nutrients like protein, fiber, and antioxidants, making this dessert a healthy choice. Lastly, the process of making Bubur Kacang Hijau is simple and enjoyable. It’s an opportunity to explore Indonesian culture through its vibrant culinary scene.
Every spoonful of this dessert transports you to the bustling streets and serene landscapes of Indonesia, making it more than just a meal, but an experience.
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The Ingredients
- Water: Water is a fundamental ingredient in any soup or dessert soup recipe. It serves as the base of the dish, allowing the other ingredients to infuse their flavors into it. In this case, the water is used to cook and soften the mung beans and to dissolve the sugar. It’s also responsible for creating the desired consistency of the dessert soup.
- Dried Mung Beans (Indonesian: Kacang Hijau): Mung beans are the star of this recipe. They have a sweet, nutty flavor and become soft and creamy when cooked, which contributes to the texture of the dessert soup. Mung beans are also highly nutritious, and packed with protein, fiber, antioxidants, and phytonutrients.
- Sugar: Sugar is what gives the dessert soup its sweetness. The type of sugar used can subtly change the flavor of the dish. Regular sugar will give a clean, straightforward sweetness, while brown sugar or coconut palm sugar will add a hint of caramel or toffee flavor. The amount of sugar can be adjusted according to personal preference.
- Dried Tangerine Peels: Dried tangerine peels add a unique, citrusy aroma to the dessert soup, enhancing its overall flavor profile. They also have various health benefits, including improving digestion and reducing inflammation. This ingredient can be optional, but it adds an extra layer of complexity to the dish.
Step by Step Instructions
Step 1: Boil the Water
Place a pot on the stove and set the heat to high. Pour water into the pot and wait for it to come to a rolling boil.
Step 2: Cook the Mung Beans
Once the water is boiling, carefully add the mung beans to the pot. Lower the heat to medium-low to maintain a gentle simmer. Stir the mung beans frequently to prevent sticking. Allow the mung beans to cook until they become soft and creamy. This typically takes about 25 minutes, but it may vary depending on the type of mung beans you’re using.
Step 3: Add Sugar and Salt
Add the sugar to the pot with the cooked mung beans. Stir the mixture until the sugar is fully dissolved. To balance out the sweetness, sprinkle in a pinch of salt and stir it in.
Step 4: Optional Flavor Addition
If you have dried tangerine peels, you can enhance the flavor. Add the dried tangerine peels to the pot and continue stirring for another 5 minutes or until they become fragrant.
Step 5: Finish and Serve
Turn off the heat, and your mung bean dessert is ready. If desired, serve it hot. For an extra touch, sprinkle some roasted peanuts on top before serving.
Notes
- Make sure to rinse the mung beans thoroughly before cooking them.
- To add more texture and flavor, try adding some sliced jackfruit or banana to the finished soup.
- If you find that the soup is too thick, you can add more water to thin it out.
- For a healthier version of the recipe, consider using coconut milk instead of regular milk.
- The soup can be enjoyed hot or cold, depending on your preference.
- If you would like a more intense flavor, add additional tangerine peels and pandan leaves to the soup.
- Feel free to adjust the amount of sugar according to your taste preferences.
Nutrition Information
How to store bubur kacang hijau?
Storing Bubur Kacang Hijau requires careful handling to maintain its freshness and flavor. Once it cools down after cooking, transfer the dessert into an airtight container. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, simply place it in a microwave-safe dish and heat it for a few minutes.
Alternatively, you could warm it over medium heat on the stovetop, adding a bit of water or coconut milk if needed to adjust the consistency. Always remember to check the freshness before consuming.
Variations
- Add a dollop of coconut cream on top for extra richness.
- Incorporate tropical fruits like jackfruit or durian for a fruity twist.
- Use palm sugar instead of regular sugar for a deeper, caramel-like sweetness.
- For a creamy and smooth texture, blend the cooked mung beans before adding the sugar.
- Add pandan leaves during cooking for an aromatic flavor.
Bubur Kacang Hijau Recipe
Ingredients
- 8 cups water
- 200 grams of dried mung beans Indonesian: kacang hijau
- 150 grams of sugar regular, brown, or coconut palm sugar
- 2 dried tangerine peels
Instructions
- Boil water in a pot over high heat.
- Add mung beans to the boiling water and reduce heat to medium-low. Stir frequently and cook until the mung beans are soft and creamy (about 25 minutes).
- Stir in sugar until fully dissolved, then add a pinch of salt for balance.
- (Optional): If desired, add dried tangerine peels and stir for an additional 5 minutes until fragrant.
- Turn off the heat and serve the dish hot.
- (optional): Sprinkle roasted peanuts on top before serving, if desired.
Notes
- Make sure to rinse the mung beans thoroughly before cooking them.
- To add more texture and flavor, try adding some sliced jackfruit or banana to the finished soup.
- If you find that the soup is too thick, you can add more water to thin it out.
- For a healthier version of the recipe, consider using coconut milk instead of regular milk.
- The soup can be enjoyed hot or cold, depending on your preference.
- If you would like a more intense flavor, add additional tangerine peels and pandan leaves to the soup.
- Feel free to adjust the amount of sugar according to your taste preferences.
FAQs
Can I use canned mung beans instead of dried ones?
Yes, you can use canned mung beans in place of dried ones for convenience or if that’s what you have on hand. However, it’s important to note that the texture and flavor may not be quite the same. Dried mung beans, when cooked, offer a distinctively rich flavor and an appealingly soft yet hearty texture. Canned mung beans are already cooked and might become too soft when further cooked in the recipe, potentially altering the intended consistency of Bubur Kacang Hijau.
Can I prepare Bubur Kacang Hijau without tangerine peels?
Absolutely! Tangerine peels are traditionally added to Bubur Kacang Hijau to infuse a unique, citrusy aroma that complements the sweet taste of the soup. However, they’re not essential to the recipe. The dessert will still be delicious without them, retaining its core sweet flavor from the mung beans and sugar.
Is Bubur Kacang Hijau gluten-free?
Yes, Bubur Kacang Hijau is naturally gluten-free as all the basic ingredients used in this recipe—mung beans, water, sugar, and optional tangerine peels—are free from gluten. This makes it a suitable dessert option for those following a gluten-free diet. However, it’s always important to check the labels of any additional ingredients you plan to include, especially if they are processed or packaged.
Wrapping Up
Bubur Kacang Hijau is a beloved Indonesian dessert soup made from mung beans, sugar, and optional ingredients like tangerine peels. This sweet treat has been enjoyed for generations due to its luscious texture and comforting flavor. With just a few simple steps and ingredients, you can recreate this traditional recipe in the comfort of your own home.
This classic recipe can be adapted to suit different tastes by adjusting the sugar levels or adding other ingredients like pandan leaves or jackfruit. Whether you choose to enjoy it hot or cold, Bubur Kacang Hijau is a delightful dessert that won’t disappoint!
It’s easy to make and packed with nutritious benefits, making it a great snack for everyone. So, why not try it out for yourself and see what all the fuss is about? Give this delicious Indonesian soup a go! You won’t regret it.
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Dr. Leah Alexander, M.D., is a board-certified Pediatrician in New Jersey and has been working at Elizabeth Pediatric Group of New Jersey since 2000.
She also has a passion for culinary arts that extends beyond the medical realm. After completing culinary school at the French Culinary Institute, she started Global Palate, LLC, a catering firm, in 2007. She ran her own six-year-old catering company and served small group parties as an owner and executive chef.
