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October 27, 2024
Mung beans, or “mongo” in Filipino, are a staple in Filipino cuisine. These tiny green legumes are versatile and packed with nutrients, making them a popular ingredient in a variety of dishes. Whether you’re a Filipino craving some comfort food or simply curious about this nutritious bean, learning how to cook mung beans Filipino style is a must.
There are several ways to prepare mung beans, but one of the most popular Filipino methods is to cook them in a savory stew known as “ginisang monggo.” This hearty dish is made with mung beans, sautéed garlic and onions, and a medley of vegetables, usually including bitter melon leaves or “ampalaya.” The stew is then seasoned with fish sauce or “patis” and often garnished with crispy pork cracklings or “chicharon.”
For those looking for a healthier option, mung beans can also be sprouted and used in salads or stir-fried dishes. Sprouted mung beans are a nutritious addition to any meal as they are rich in fiber, protein, and essential vitamins and minerals. They add a refreshing crunch and light flavor to salads and can be cooked with garlic, ginger, and soy sauce for a quick and tasty stir-fry.
So whether you prefer a hearty stew or a light and crunchy salad, mung beans are a versatile ingredient that can be enjoyed in various Filipino-style dishes. Give these recipes a try and discover the delicious and nutritious flavors of mung beans Filipino style!
Preparation for cooking mung beans
Before cooking mung beans, it is essential to properly prepare them to ensure they are clean and ready for consumption. Here are the necessary steps for preparing mung beans:
1. Sort through the mung beans: Spread the mung beans out on a clean surface or a plate. Remove any debris, such as stones or discoloured beans.
2. Rinse the mung beans: Place the sorted mung beans in a colander and rinse under cold running water. Gently rub the beans with your hands to remove any dirt or impurities.
3. Soak the mung beans: Transfer the rinsed mung beans to a bowl or a large pot. Add enough water to completely submerge the beans. Soak them for at least 2 hours or overnight, depending on your preference. Soaking helps to soften the beans and reduce their cooking time.
4. Drain the soaked mung beans: After soaking, pour the beans into a colander or a sieve to drain the water. Rinse the beans once more with cold water to remove any remaining impurities.
Now that you have properly prepared the mung beans, they are ready to be cooked using the Filipino style recipe of your choice. Enjoy your delicious mung bean dish!
Soaking mung beans
Mung beans, also known as monggo beans, are small green legumes commonly used in Filipino cooking. Before cooking, it is essential to soak mung beans to soften them and reduce the cooking time.
To soak mung beans, follow these steps:
- Measure the desired amount of mung beans and place them in a colander or sieve.
- Rinse the mung beans under cold running water to remove any dirt or impurities.
- Transfer the rinsed mung beans to a large bowl or pot.
- Fill the bowl or pot with enough water to completely cover the mung beans.
- Allow the mung beans to soak for at least 4 to 6 hours, or overnight for best results.
- After soaking, drain the water from the mung beans using the colander or sieve.
Soaked mung beans are now ready to be cooked according to your preferred Filipino recipe. Remember that the soaking process helps to soften the beans and reduce the overall cooking time, resulting in a more tender and flavorful dish.
Washing mung beans
Before cooking mung beans in a Filipino style, it is important to wash them thoroughly to remove any dirt or impurities. Follow these steps to properly wash mung beans:
- Measure the beans: Start by measuring the desired amount of mung beans to cook. Use a measuring cup to ensure accuracy.
- Place the beans in a colander: Transfer the mung beans to a colander or sieve to easily wash them.
- Rinse with cold water: Rinse the mung beans under cold running water. Use your hands to gently rub the beans together to help remove any dirt.
- Inspect the beans: While rinsing, inspect the beans for any stones or debris that may have been missed. Remove any foreign objects you find.
- Soak the beans: After washing, soak the mung beans in water for at least 4 hours or overnight. This step helps soften the beans and reduce cooking time.
- Discard soaking water: Drain and discard the soaking water before cooking the mung beans.
By washing the mung beans before cooking them, you ensure that they are clean and ready to be used in your Filipino-style dish.
Boiling mung beans
To cook mung beans in Filipino style, you will need to start by boiling them. Follow these steps to achieve perfectly cooked mung beans:
Step 1: Cleaning the mung beans
Start by rinsing the mung beans thoroughly under running water to remove any dirt or debris.
Step 2: Soaking the mung beans
Place the cleaned mung beans in a bowl and cover them with enough water. Allow the mung beans to soak for at least 1 hour or overnight. This step helps soften the beans and reduces the cooking time.
Step 3: Boiling the mung beans
After soaking, drain the water from the mung beans and transfer them to a large pot. Add enough water to completely submerge the beans.
Place the pot over medium heat and bring the water to a boil. Allow the beans to simmer for about 30-40 minutes or until they are tender and easily mashed with a fork or spoon. Stir occasionally to prevent the beans from sticking to the bottom of the pot.
Once the mung beans are cooked to your desired texture, remove the pot from the heat and drain any excess water. Your boiled mung beans are now ready to be used in your Filipino-style recipe.
Sautéing onion and garlic
To add flavor to your mung beans Filipino-style, sautéing onion and garlic is a crucial step. Here is how you can do it:
- Peel and chop one medium-sized onion and three cloves of garlic.
- Heat a tablespoon of cooking oil in a pan over medium heat.
- Add the chopped onion to the pan and sauté until it becomes translucent and slightly caramelized.
- Add the chopped garlic to the pan and continue sautéing for another minute until fragrant.
- Make sure to stir the onion and garlic frequently to avoid burning or sticking.
Sautéed onion and garlic will release their aromatic flavors, enhancing the taste of your mung beans dish. This step is commonly used in Filipino cuisine to provide a strong base flavor to many dishes.
Adding mung beans to sautéed mixture
Once the sautéed mixture is cooked, it’s time to add the mung beans. These small green beans provide a unique flavor and texture to the dish. They are packed with nutrients and are a great source of plant-based protein.
To incorporate the mung beans into the sautéed mixture, simply pour them into the pan and mix well. Make sure to coat the beans evenly with the flavors from the sautéed vegetables and spices.
Continue cooking the mixture over medium heat for about 5-10 minutes, stirring occasionally. This will allow the mung beans to absorb the flavors and soften slightly.
For a thicker consistency, you can mash some of the mung beans using the back of a spoon or a potato masher. This will help thicken the sauce and give the dish a creamy texture.
Once the mung beans are tender and well incorporated into the sautéed mixture, you can adjust the seasoning to taste. Add salt, pepper, or any other spices according to your preference.
Adding mung beans to a sautéed mixture is a popular Filipino cooking method that results in a delicious and nutritious dish. Whether you’re serving it as a main course or a side dish, this mung bean recipe will surely delight your taste buds.
Simmering and serving mung beans
Once the mung beans are cooked and softened, it’s time to simmer them with other ingredients to enhance the flavor and create a delicious Filipino-style dish. Follow these steps to simmer and serve your mung beans:
1. In a separate pan, heat some oil over medium heat. Add garlic and onions, and sauté until they become translucent and fragrant.
2. Add diced tomatoes and cook until they soften, stirring occasionally.
3. Season the mixture with salt, pepper, and your choice of seasonings and spices. Some popular choices include bay leaves, soy sauce, and fish sauce.
4. Once the tomatoes are cooked, add the cooked mung beans to the pan. Stir well to combine all the ingredients.
5. If the mixture appears too dry, you can add a little water or broth to achieve the desired consistency.
6. Lower the heat to a simmer and cover the pan. Allow the flavors to meld together for about 10-15 minutes.
7. After simmering, taste the dish and adjust the seasoning according to your preference.
8. Serve the simmered mung beans hot and garnish with fresh herbs, such as cilantro or spring onions, for added freshness and flavor.
Simmered mung beans can be enjoyed on their own as a vegetarian main dish, or you can serve them as a side dish alongside steamed rice or bread. They are also commonly used as a filling for Filipino empanadas, spring rolls, and other savory pastries. Enjoy the comforting and nutritious flavors of this traditional Filipino dish!
FAQ
What are the ingredients needed to cook mung beans Filipino style?
The ingredients needed to cook mung beans Filipino style are mung beans, pork belly, garlic, onions, tomatoes, fish sauce, salt, pepper, and water.
Can I use other types of meat instead of pork belly in this recipe?
Yes, you can use other types of meat such as chicken, beef, or even shrimp if you prefer. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly.
How long does it take to cook mung beans Filipino style?
It usually takes about 1 to 1.5 hours to cook mung beans Filipino style, depending on the desired level of tenderness. Make sure to soak the mung beans overnight for faster cooking.
Can I add vegetables to this dish?
Yes, you can add vegetables such as spinach, cabbage, or green beans to make it more nutritious. Just add them towards the end of the cooking process to prevent overcooking.
Is mung beans Filipino style a popular dish in the Philippines?
Yes, mung beans Filipino style, also known as “ginisang munggo,” is a popular and traditional dish in the Philippines. It is often served with rice and enjoyed as a hearty and nutritious meal.
What are mung beans?
Mung beans are small, green legumes that are commonly used in Asian cuisines. They have a slightly sweet and nutty flavor and are rich in protein, fiber, and vitamins.
What is Filipino-style cooking?
Filipino-style cooking refers to the traditional cooking methods, ingredients, and flavors used in Filipino cuisine. It often involves the use of local spices and condiments to create dishes with bold and distinct flavors.