Craving a heartwarming, flavorful, and incredibly easy meal? Look no further than Ginisang Monggo with Pork! This classic Filipino dish is a staple in many households, beloved for its simplicity and satisfying taste. It’s a perfect example of how delicious and healthy homemade cooking can be, ready in under 30 minutes and packed with protein and nutrients. This recipe is ideal for busy weeknights, offering a quick dinner idea that's both comforting and impressive. Let's dive into this best recipe and whip up a batch of this delicious dish!
Ingredients:
- 1 cup mung beans (monggo), rinsed and picked over
- 1/2 pound pork belly, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup water (or more, as needed)
- 1 tablespoon fish sauce (patis) – adjust to your taste
- 1 teaspoon shrimp paste (bagoong alamang, optional) – adds a unique depth of flavor
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 2 tablespoons cooking oil
- 1 small bunch kangkong (water spinach), roughly chopped (optional)
- 1-2 tablespoons chopped cilantro, for garnish (optional)
- Salt to taste
Instructions:
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Sauté Aromatics: Heat the cooking oil in a pot or wok over medium heat. Sauté the chopped onion until translucent, then add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. This step is crucial for building the base flavor of your Ginisang Monggo.
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Brown the Pork: Add the pork belly cubes to the pot and cook until lightly browned on all sides. This step renders some of the fat from the pork, adding richness to the dish.
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Add Mung Beans and Water: Pour in the rinsed mung beans and water. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 20-25 minutes, or until the mung beans are tender but not mushy. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. You can add more water if needed to maintain a simmering consistency.
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Season and Simmer: Once the mung beans are cooked, stir in the fish sauce, shrimp paste (if using), and black pepper. Taste and adjust seasoning to your preference. Adding the shrimp paste at this stage helps meld its flavor with the rest of the ingredients. Continue to simmer for another 5 minutes to let the flavors blend.
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Add Kangkong (Optional): If using kangkong, add it during the last 2 minutes of cooking. Kangkong cooks quickly, so be careful not to overcook it.
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Serve and Garnish: Serve your Ginisang Monggo hot. Garnish with chopped cilantro, if desired. This easy recipe is best enjoyed with steamed rice.
Cooking Tips for the Best Ginisang Monggo:
- Picking Mung Beans: Take the time to carefully rinse and pick over your mung beans to remove any small stones or debris.
- Pork Choice: While pork belly provides the best flavor and texture, you can substitute with other cuts of pork like pork shoulder or even chicken thighs.
- Adjust Seasoning: Taste and adjust the fish sauce and salt as needed. The amount of fish sauce you need will depend on your personal preference and the brand you use.
- Don't Overcook: Be careful not to overcook the mung beans, as they can become mushy. The ideal texture is tender but still retains a slight bite.
Variations:
- Spicy Ginisang Monggo: Add a pinch of chili flakes or a few slices of sili (Thai chili) for a spicier kick.
- Vegetarian Ginisang Monggo: Omit the pork and add other vegetables like diced carrots, potatoes, or green beans for a hearty vegetarian version.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This nutritional information is an estimate and will vary depending on the specific ingredients used. It's best to use a nutrition calculator for a more precise value.
- Calories: Approximately 300-400
- Protein: High
- Fiber: High
This quick and easy Ginisang Monggo with Pork recipe is a delicious and healthy addition to your weekly meal plan. Its simple ingredients and straightforward instructions make it perfect for both beginner and experienced cooks. Enjoy!