Are you looking for a delicious, healthy, and incredibly easy weeknight dinner? Look no further! This split mung bean recipe is a fantastic source of protein and fiber, perfect for those busy evenings when you need a nutritious meal on the table quickly. It's a simple dish that's surprisingly flavorful and satisfying, making it a staple in many healthy eating plans. Forget complicated recipes; this one is perfect for both beginners and experienced cooks alike! Let's get started.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup split mung beans, rinsed
- 2 cups vegetable broth (or water)
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 inch ginger, grated
- 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin powder
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat)
- 2 tablespoons coconut oil (or other cooking oil)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
- Lime wedges (for serving)
Instructions:
Step 1: Sauté Aromatics
Heat the coconut oil in a medium-sized pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and grated ginger, cooking for another minute until fragrant. This step builds the flavor base of your dish.
Step 2: Add Spices and Beans
Add the turmeric powder, cumin powder, and red pepper flakes (if using) to the pot. Stir well and cook for 30 seconds, allowing the spices to bloom. This enhances their flavor and aroma. Then, pour in the rinsed split mung beans and vegetable broth (or water).
Step 3: Simmer to Perfection
Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 20-25 minutes, or until the mung beans are tender and the liquid is mostly absorbed. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. The cooking time might vary slightly depending on your beans and stovetop.
Step 4: Season and Serve
Once the mung beans are cooked, season with salt and pepper to taste. Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve hot with lime wedges. This adds a refreshing touch to the hearty dish.
Cooking Tips for the Best Split Mung Bean Recipe:
- Rinse your beans: Rinsing the split mung beans before cooking helps remove any debris and improves the texture of the final dish.
- Don't overcook: Overcooked mung beans can become mushy. Keep an eye on them and adjust the cooking time as needed.
- Adjust spices: Feel free to adjust the amount of spices to your liking. If you prefer a milder flavor, reduce the amount of red pepper flakes or omit them entirely.
- Add vegetables: Enhance this recipe by adding other vegetables like chopped carrots, spinach, or diced tomatoes during the last 10 minutes of cooking.
Variations:
- Lemon-Herb Mung Beans: Add the zest and juice of one lemon along with fresh herbs like parsley or dill during the last few minutes of cooking.
- Spicy Mung Beans: Increase the amount of red pepper flakes or add a chopped chili pepper for extra heat.
- Coconut Milk Mung Beans: Stir in 1/2 cup of coconut milk during the last 5 minutes of cooking for a richer, creamier dish.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 200-250
- Protein: 10-15g
- Fiber: 10-15g
This simple split mung bean recipe is a fantastic example of healthy, homemade cooking. It's a quick dinner idea that's packed with flavor and nutrients, making it a perfect addition to your weekly meal plan. Enjoy!