When it comes to cozy dishes, monggo beans mung bean soup holds a special place in the hearts of many. Pairing it with crusty bread or steamed rice can elevate your meal. Add a side of fried fish or some stir-fried vegetables for additional texture and nutrition.
In colder months, a warm slice of homemade cornbread complements it beautifully. Now, let’s dive into this savory story of mung bean comfort, where tradition meets taste.
Hey there! Have you ever tried a dish that feels like a warm hug on a chilly day? That’s exactly how I feel about monggo beans mung bean soup. This is not just a recipe; it’s a journey of flavors tied intimately to my heritage.
Growing up, my kitchen was filled with the wholesome aroma of this humble soup, often bubbling away on the stove. Let’s explore what makes this dish special, how it came to be a favorite in my home, and why it could become a staple in yours too.
What is Monggo Beans Mung Bean Soup?
Monggo beans, often known as mung beans, are tiny green legumes packed with nutrients. When cooked, they transform into a creamy base full of earthiness. This soup typically features a medley of ingredients, including vegetables, meat, and aromatic spices that create a complex yet comforting dish. It is beloved in many cultures, especially in the Philippines, where it’s often accompanied by rice and enjoyed during special occasions and weeknight dinners alike.
What is the Flavor Profile of This Dish?
The flavor profile of monggo beans mung bean soup is rich and varied. Picture this: a hearty, creamy base balanced by the umami from pork and the subtle brightness of fresh vegetables.
You get that homemade, nurturing taste with every spoonful. It’s a beautiful blend of savory and comforting, highlighted by earthy notes from the mung beans and fragrant touches from garlic and onion. For those who enjoy a little kick, add some spice with chili peppers.
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What Makes This Recipe Different From Other Monggo Beans Mung Bean Soup?
You might wonder, “What’s so unique about this recipe?” Allow me to share. My version of monggo beans mung bean soup is crafted with fresh, quality ingredients and an extra touch of love. Instead of just focusing on the mung beans, I elevate it with crispy pork rinds for texture and smoked fish for depth of flavor. This recipe balances tradition and innovation, ensuring you have a nutritious dish that brings back memories while making new ones around the dinner table.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s what you’ll need for a batch of this delicious soup:
- 1 cup crispy pork rind (chicharon), broken into small pieces
- 2 ripe tomatoes, sliced
- 2 cups dried mung beans (monggo beans), rinsed thoroughly and drained
- 1 stalk celery, chopped
- ½ cup pork belly, thinly sliced
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper (for gentle warmth)
- 2 cups fresh spinach leaves or bitter gourd leaves
- ½ cup smoked fish fillet (tinapa), shredded
- 1 small red chili, finely chopped (optional, for mild heat and aroma)
- 3 tablespoons fish sauce or 1 tablespoon sea salt
- 2 cloves fresh garlic, finely minced
- 5–7 cups fresh water
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons cooking oil
With these ingredients, you’re set for a culinary experience that is both nutritious and delicious.
Step-by-Step Directions
Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients
Start by prepping your ingredients. Rinse the mung beans under cold water until it runs clear. Slice your tomatoes, chop the celery, and mince the garlic. The diced onion will find its way into your pot soon too. Can you smell the flavors mingling already?
Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics
In a large pot, heat the cooking oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until translucent. Follow this with minced garlic, allowing it to become fragrant. The aroma is the first hint of the magic happening in your kitchen.
Step 3: Add the Pork
Next, toss in the thinly sliced pork belly. Cook it until it starts to brown and the fat renders a little. This is where the flavor starts to build. Once you get a nice golden color on the pork, it’s time to mix in your chopped celery and sliced tomatoes. Season it all with a pinch of salt and ground black pepper to evoke the flavors.
Step 4: Incorporate the Mung Beans
Gently fold in the rinsed monggo beans, stirring to combine all the ingredients. The beans should glisten with the oil and juices from the pork and vegetables. It’s starting to look like a feast!
Step 5: Add Water and Simmer
Pour in 5 to 7 cups of fresh water, depending on how thick you want your soup. Bring it to a boil, then reduce to a simmer. Cover the pot and let it cook for about 25-30 minutes or until the mung beans are tender. The cooking time can vary based on your beans; keep an eye on them.
Step 6: Mix in Greens and Finish
Once the beans are soft, stir in the fresh spinach (or the bitterness of bitter gourd leaves, if you prefer). Add the crispy pork rinds and shredded smoked fish for that extraordinary flavor. Adjust seasoning with fish sauce or sea salt as needed. Let everything cook together for an additional minute. Serve hot!
Tips on Making Monggo Beans Mung Bean Soup
- Make It Ahead: This soup tastes even better the next day. Make a big batch ahead of time.
- Texture Matters: If you like a creamier texture, try mashing some of the mung beans before serving.
- Fresh is Best: Use fresh ingredients whenever possible. They not only enhance flavor but also boost nutrition.
- Flavor Boosters: If you love herbs, add parsley or cilantro just before serving for a fresh kick.
- Experiment: Feel free to experiment with ingredients. Try adding carrots or zucchini for a veggie twist.
Nutrition Information
How Can I Store This Monggo Beans Mung Bean Soup?
If you find yourself with leftover soup (it happens!), store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It can last for 3-4 days. Just heat it up gently over the stove with a splash of water to thin it out if it thickens too much. You can also freeze the soup for longer storage. When freezing, consider portioning it out for easy thawing later.
Substitutes for Ingredients
Sometimes, you might find you’re missing an ingredient. Here are some alternatives:
- Pork Belly: If you don’t have pork belly, try chicken thighs or tofu for a leaner or vegetarian option.
- Smoked Fish Fillet (Tinapa): You can use canned tuna or cooked shrimp if you can’t find smoked fish.
- Fresh Spinach Leaves: Substitute with kale or bok choy; both add a delightful texture.
- Fish Sauce: If you prefer something vegetarian, try soy sauce or coconut aminos for a subtle sweetness.
Monggo Beans Mung Bean Soup
Equipment
- Cups
Ingredients
- 1 cup crispy pork rind chicharon, broken into small pieces
- 2 ripe tomatoes sliced
- 2 cups dried mung beans monggo beans, rinsed thoroughly and drained
- 1 stalk celery chopped
- ½ cup pork belly thinly sliced
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper for gentle warmth
- 2 cups fresh spinach leaves or bitter gourd leaves
- ½ cup smoked fish fillet tinapa, shredded
- 1 small red chili finely chopped (optional, for mild heat and aroma)
- 3 tablespoons fish sauce or 1 tablespoon sea salt
- 2 cloves fresh garlic finely minced
- 5 –7 cups fresh water
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients
- Start by prepping your ingredients. Rinse the mung beans under cold water until it runs clear. Slice your tomatoes, chop the celery, and mince the garlic. The diced onion will find its way into your pot soon too. Can you smell the flavors mingling already?
Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics
- In a large pot, heat the cooking oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until translucent. Follow this with minced garlic, allowing it to become fragrant. The aroma is the first hint of the magic happening in your kitchen.
Step 3: Add the Pork
- Next, toss in the thinly sliced pork belly. Cook it until it starts to brown and the fat renders a little. This is where the flavor starts to build. Once you get a nice golden color on the pork, it’s time to mix in your chopped celery and sliced tomatoes. Season it all with a pinch of salt and ground black pepper to evoke the flavors.
Step 4: Incorporate the Mung Beans
- Gently fold in the rinsed monggo beans, stirring to combine all the ingredients. The beans should glisten with the oil and juices from the pork and vegetables. It’s starting to look like a feast!
Step 5: Add Water and Simmer
- Pour in 5 to 7 cups of fresh water, depending on how thick you want your soup. Bring it to a boil, then reduce to a simmer. Cover the pot and let it cook for about 25-30 minutes or until the mung beans are tender. The cooking time can vary based on your beans; keep an eye on them.
Step 6: Mix in Greens and Finish
- Once the beans are soft, stir in the fresh spinach (or the bitterness of bitter gourd leaves, if you prefer). Add the crispy pork rinds and shredded smoked fish for that extraordinary flavor. Adjust seasoning with fish sauce or sea salt as needed. Let everything cook together for an additional minute. Serve hot!
Notes
- Make It Ahead: This soup tastes even better the next day. Make a big batch ahead of time.
- Texture Matters: If you like a creamier texture, try mashing some of the mung beans before serving.
- Fresh is Best: Use fresh ingredients whenever possible. They not only enhance flavor but also boost nutrition.
- Flavor Boosters: If you love herbs, add parsley or cilantro just before serving for a fresh kick.
- Experiment: Feel free to experiment with ingredients. Try adding carrots or zucchini for a veggie twist.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this soup vegan?
Absolutely! Simply swap out the pork for mushrooms or firm tofu. Use vegetable broth instead of water, and remove fish sauce for soy sauce.
How long do I need to cook the mung beans?
Typically, they should be cooked for 25-30 minutes. Check for tenderness; they should be soft but not mushy.
What is the best way to serve monggo bean soup?
Serving it hot with a side of rice is traditional. You can also accompany it with a sprinkle of green onions or a drizzle of chili oil for extra flair.
Can I add more vegetables?
Of course! Carrots, bell peppers, or zucchini work beautifully. Just dice them up and toss them into the soup during the cooking process.
Why are mung beans considered healthy?
Mung beans are low in calories but high in protein, fiber, vitamins, and minerals. They help regulate blood sugar and are excellent for digestion.
Conclusion
Monggo beans mung bean soup is more than just a meal; it’s a connection to simpler times filled with warmth and comfort. Whether you follow my recipe closely or use it as a base to create your unique version, I hope it finds a cherished place on your dining table.
Gather your loved ones, fill your bowls, and celebrate the flavors of home. After all, food is not just about sustenance; it’s about creating memories that nourish your spirit. Enjoy every spoonful!
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My name is Lori Walker. I’m a registered dietitian, food blogger and food enthusiast. I share easy healthy, delicious recipes on my blog and review necessary kitchen items. The recipes I share take less… Read more