If you’re looking for a healthy and delicious meal, mung beans might just be the answer. These tiny legumes are nutrient-packed and perfect for adding to soups, stews, salads, or even as the main ingredient in a tasty curry. Not only are they delicious, but they’re also incredibly versatile and easy to cook, making them an ideal addition to any kitchen. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at how to cook mung beans at home and how to incorporate them into your cooking repertoire.

Mung Beans: The Superfood?
If you are looking for a healthy and nutritious food option, look no further than mung beans! This small legume packs a powerful punch when it comes to health benefits, and it’s no wonder why health enthusiasts have made it a popular choice in their diet.
Nutritional Value of Mung Beans
Mung beans are an excellent source of protein, with 14 grams of protein per cup of cooked beans. In addition, they are also high in fiber, with 15 grams per cup, which helps to promote healthy digestion and bowel movements. Mung beans are also low in calories, with only 212 calories per cup, making them a great food option for those trying to maintain a healthy weight.
Furthermore, mung beans are also rich in vitamins and minerals. They are high in folate, iron, magnesium, and potassium, which help to support healthy bodily functions such as blood pressure regulation, energy production, and immune system function.
Overall, the nutritional value of mung beans makes them an excellent addition to any diet. They are a great source of plant-based protein, fiber, and a range of important nutrients, making them a true superfood!
Types of Mung Beans
When it comes to cooking mung beans, there are a few different types to choose from. Discover the different types of mung beans and which one is best for cooking delicious meals at home.
Green Mung Beans
Green mung beans are the most common type of mung bean used in cooking. They are small, olive green in color, and have a slightly sweet taste. They can be used in a variety of dishes, including soups, curries, and salads.
- High in protein and fiber
- Easy to digest
- Great for vegetarians and vegans
Yellow Mung Beans
Yellow mung beans are slightly larger than green mung beans and have a creamier color. They have a mild flavor and are often used in Indian dishes such as dal and khichdi.
- Rich in protein and fiber
- Low in fat
- Good source of vitamins and minerals
Split Mung Beans
Split mung beans are obtained by removing the outer green shell and then splitting the bean in half. They are yellow in color and have a mild, sweet flavor. They cook faster than whole mung beans and are a popular ingredient in Asian cuisine.
- High in protein and fiber
- Low in fat
- Easy to digest
Soaking Mung Beans
If you are looking to cook mung beans, it’s essential to soak them before cooking. Mung beans are relatively small and can take a long time to cook. Soaking helps to shorten the cooking process and also softens the beans, making them easier to digest. Here are some methods of soaking mung beans:
Water Soak Method
The water soak method is the most common method for soaking mung beans. It involves soaking the beans in water for a specific amount of time before cooking. Here are the steps to soak mung beans using the water soak method:
- Rinse the mung beans in cold running water.
- Place the beans in a bowl or pot and add enough water to cover them entirely.
- Let the beans soak for at least 4 hours or overnight. The longer you soak, the shorter the cooking time.
- Discard the soaking water and rinse the beans again.
- Your mung beans are now ready to cook using your preferred method.
Quick Soak Method
If you don’t have enough time for the water soak method, then the quick soak method is your best option. It uses hot water to hasten the soaking process and can cut the soaking time down to an hour or less. Follow these steps to soak mung beans using the quick soak method:
- Rinse the mung beans in cold running water.
- Place the beans in a pot and add enough hot water to cover them entirely.
- Let the beans soak for at least an hour.
- Discard the soaking water and rinse the beans.
- Your mung beans are now ready to cook using your preferred method.
Sprouting Method
The sprouting method is another way to prepare mung beans. Instead of soaking the beans, it involves sprouting them in water. Sprouted mung beans are rich in fiber, protein, and essential nutrients that are beneficial for digestion and overall health. Here are the steps to sprout mung beans:
- Rinse the mung beans in cold running water.
- Place the beans in a bowl or jar and fill with water. Let soak overnight.
- Drain the water and rinse the beans well.
- Place the beans in a muslin cloth or mesh and hang the cloth or mesh over a bowl or pot to allow water to drain away.
- Rinse and drain the beans twice a day, for up to 48 hours or until the sprouts are approximately 1-2 cm long.
- Your sprouted mung beans are now ready to eat raw or cooked using your preferred method.
Cooking Mung Beans
If you are looking for a healthy, delicious, and versatile ingredient to add to your diet, mung beans are an excellent choice! Mung beans are a type of legume that are low in fat and high in fiber and protein. They have a delicate flavor that makes them perfect for a variety of dishes. In this article, we will show you how to cook mung beans and share some ideas for mixing in ingredients to add more flavor and texture.
Mung Bean Cooking Methods
There are several ways to cook mung beans, so you can choose the method that works best for your preferences and available equipment.
- Boiling: Boiling mung beans is a quick and easy way to cook them. Simply add the beans to a pot of boiling water and let them cook for 20-30 minutes, or until they are tender. Drain the beans and use them in your favorite recipe.
- Pressure Cooking: Using a pressure cooker is a faster way to cook mung beans compared to boiling. Simply add the beans and water to the pressure cooker and follow the manufacturer’s instructions for cooking times.
- Sprouting: Mung bean sprouts are a popular ingredient in Asian cuisine. To sprout mung beans, rinse and soak them overnight. Then, transfer the beans to a jar with a sprouting lid or cheesecloth and rinse them twice daily for a few days until the sprouts grow.
- Baking: Baking mung beans is a healthy and crunchy snack option. Simply spread the cooked beans on a baking sheet and bake them at 350°F for about 20 minutes, or until they are crispy.
Mixing in Ingredients
When cooking mung beans, you can mix in various ingredients to enhance the flavor and texture. Here are some ideas to get you started:
- Coconut Milk: Add coconut milk to your mung bean curry for a creamy and rich flavor.
- Garlic and Ginger: These aromatic ingredients add depth and spice to any mung bean dish.
- Cilantro: Fresh cilantro is a great addition to a mung bean salad, adding a pop of brightness and flavor.
- Nuts and Seeds: Toasted nuts and seeds add crunch and texture to your mung bean dishes. Try adding almonds, sesame seeds, or sunflower seeds.
Maintaining Mung Beans’ Nutritional Value
If you are looking for a healthy and inexpensive food source, mung beans are a great option. They are packed with vitamins and minerals that can boost your overall health. If you want to preserve mung beans’ nutritional value, you need to learn how to properly store them.
Storing Uncooked Mung Beans
Uncooked mung beans can last for several months when stored properly. The key is to keep them in a cool, dry place, away from moisture and direct sunlight. One of the best storage options is an airtight container like a jar with a tight-fitting lid or a plastic container. You can also use a paper or plastic bag to store them if you do not have a container. It is recommended to store them in a pantry or kitchen cabinet, rather than the refrigerator.
Storing Cooked Mung Beans
If you have leftover cooked mung beans, you can store them in the refrigerator for up to four days. Store them in an airtight container to keep them fresh. If you want to store them for a longer period, you can freeze them. First, let the cooked mung beans cool down. Then, place them in a freezer-safe container or plastic bag and store them in the freezer. They can last for up to six months in the freezer.
Soaking Mung Beans
Soaking mung beans can help reduce their cooking time and make them easier to digest. To soak mung beans, rinse them thoroughly and transfer them to a bowl. Cover the beans with an inch of water and let them soak for at least four hours or overnight. After soaking, drain the water and rinse the beans again before cooking them.
Cooking Mung Beans
There are several ways to cook mung beans, including boiling, pressure cooking, and slow cooking. To boil mung beans, add one cup of beans to three cups of water and bring it to a boil. Reduce the heat and let the beans simmer for 30 to 45 minutes until they are soft and tender. Drain the excess water before serving.
Tip: Adding salt or acidic ingredients like tomatoes can prevent the beans from becoming tender. Add salt or acidic ingredients only after the beans are cooked.
Cooking Tips and Tricks
When it comes to cooking mung beans, there are a few tips and tricks that can take your dish from ordinary to extraordinary. Here are some expert tips and tricks on how to cook delicious mung beans at home and turn them into a versatile ingredient for your everyday meals.
Soaking and Preparing Mung Beans
Before cooking mung beans, it’s important to soak them in water for several hours or overnight. This helps to soften the beans and ensure they cook evenly. Once the beans are soaked, rinse them thoroughly to remove any dirt or debris.
- For a quick soak, add the mung beans to a pot of boiling water and let them boil for two minutes. Remove the pot from heat, cover it with a lid and let it soak for two hours.
- For an overnight soak, add the mung beans to a large container and cover them with several inches of water. Let them soak overnight or for at least eight hours.
Cooking Mung Beans
Mung beans can be cooked in a variety of ways, including boiling, pressure cooking, and sautéing. Here are some tips for cooking mung beans:
- For boiling, add the soaked beans to a pot of water and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat to low and let the beans simmer until they are tender. This usually takes 20-30 minutes.
- For pressure cooking, add the soaked beans and water to the pressure cooker and cook on high pressure for 10-15 minutes. Allow the pressure to release naturally.
- For sautéing, heat oil in a pan and add the beans. Sauté for a few minutes until the beans are slightly browned and then add water. Cover the pan and cook until the beans are tender.
Adding Flavor to Mung Beans
Aside from being nutritious, mung beans are also versatile and can be used in a variety of dishes. Here are some tips on how to add flavor to your mung beans:
- Add spices such as cumin, coriander, turmeric, and garam masala for a delicious Indian-inspired dish.
- Add soy sauce, garlic, and ginger for an Asian-inspired dish.
- Add onions, tomatoes, and chili peppers for a Mexican-inspired dish.
Tip: For a creamier texture, blend the cooked mung beans in a food processor or blender.
Thanks for Trying These Tasty Mung Beans!
Thank you for trying out these delicious mung beans at home! We hope that you enjoyed making and savoring this nutritious dish. Don’t hesitate to visit our website again for more cooking ideas and tips!

Cooking Delicious Mung Beans at Home
Ingredients
- 1 cup Mung beans
- 3 cups water
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1 onion chopped
- 1 teaspoon ginger paste
- 1 teaspoon garlic paste
- ½ teaspoon turmeric powder
- ½ teaspoon cumin powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 green chili chopped
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh coriander
Instructions
- Wash the mung beans in cold water and soak them overnight. Drain the water.
- Place the soaked mung beans in a saucepan with 3 cups of water and bring to a boil. Simmer for 15-20 minutes until soft.
- In a separate pan, heat the vegetable oil and sauté the chopped onion until it turns golden brown.
- Add the ginger paste, garlic paste, turmeric powder, cumin powder, salt, and green chili to the pan and cook for 2-3 minutes.
- Add the boiled mung beans to the pan with the onion mixture and stir until well combined. Cook for 5-10 minutes, adding water if necessary.
- Garnish with chopped fresh coriander and serve hot.