Mung Bean Soup (Printer view)

Comforting mung bean soup with warming Indian spices and fresh vegetables

# What You'll Need:

→ Legumes

01 - 1 cup dried mung beans, rinsed and soaked for 4 hours or overnight

→ Vegetables

02 - 1 medium onion, finely chopped
03 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
04 - 1-inch piece fresh ginger, grated
05 - 1 medium carrot, diced
06 - 1 medium tomato, chopped
07 - 1 small green chili, finely chopped (optional)

→ Spices & Seasonings

08 - 1 tsp ground cumin
09 - 1 tsp ground coriander
10 - 1/2 tsp turmeric powder
11 - 1/2 tsp ground black pepper
12 - 1/2 tsp mustard seeds
13 - 1/4 tsp asafoetida (hing), optional
14 - 1 tsp salt (or to taste)

→ Liquids

15 - 6 cups water or vegetable broth

→ Garnishes

16 - 2 tbsp fresh cilantro, chopped
17 - 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice

# Directions:

01 - Drain and rinse the soaked mung beans thoroughly
02 - In a large pot, heat a splash of oil over medium heat. Add mustard seeds and let them sizzle for 30 seconds
03 - Add onion, garlic, and ginger. Sauté until the onion is translucent, about 3 minutes
04 - Stir in carrots, tomato, green chili (if using), cumin, coriander, turmeric, black pepper, and asafoetida. Cook for another 2 minutes
05 - Add mung beans and pour in the water or vegetable broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer uncovered for 35-40 minutes, or until the mung beans are soft and the soup thickens
06 - Add salt and adjust seasoning to taste. Stir in lemon juice and garnish with fresh cilantro before serving

# Expert Suggestions:

01 -
  • Rich in plant-based protein and essential nutrients for a balanced diet.
  • Naturally vegan and gluten-free, catering to various dietary needs.
  • Infused with anti-inflammatory spices like ginger and turmeric.
  • Simple, one-pot preparation that is easy to follow and budget-friendly.
02 -
  • Soaking the mung beans for at least 4 hours significantly reduces the cooking time and aids in digestion.
  • Use a high-quality vegetable broth instead of water for a more robust and savory flavor base.
  • Always garnish with lemon juice at the very end to preserve its bright acidity and vitamin C content.
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