5 Delicious Green Moong Recipes You'll Love

Green moong, also known as mung beans, is a versatile legume beloved in various cuisines for its nutritional profile and adaptability in different recipes. From soups to sweets, green moong can be incorporated into your diet in myriad delicious ways. In this article, we'll explore five delightful recipes featuring green moong that you can easily make at home, ensuring both taste and health are well-served.

Green Moong Khichdi

Begin your culinary adventure with the comforting and nourishing Green Moong Khichdi. This dish is a staple in Indian households, known for its simplicity and health benefits.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup Green moong (split or whole)
• 1 cup Basmati rice
• 2 tablespoons Ghee or oil
• 1 teaspoon Cumin seeds
• 1 medium Onion, finely chopped
• 2 Green chilies, slit
• 1 teaspoon Ginger-garlic paste
• ¹⁄₂ teaspoon Turmeric powder
• Salt to taste
• 4 cups Water
• Fresh coriander for garnish

Steps to Prepare:

1. Soak the green moong and rice separately for at least 30 minutes to reduce cooking time.

2. In a pot, heat the ghee or oil, add cumin seeds, and let them sizzle.

3. Add chopped onions, sauté until translucent, then add green chilies and ginger-garlic paste. Stir for a minute.

4. Mix in the turmeric powder, add the soaked and drained rice and moong, stir well to coat.

5. Pour in the water, add salt, and bring to a boil. Once boiling, lower the heat, cover, and let it simmer until the grains are cooked and soft.

6. Garnish with fresh coriander and serve hot.

🌱 Note: For a healthier version, you can use brown rice or add some vegetables like carrots and peas.

Sprouted Moong Salad

For a refreshing and light dish, try making a Sprouted Moong Salad. This recipe is perfect for health enthusiasts and anyone looking for a quick, nutritious meal.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups Sprouted green moong
• 1 large Tomato, diced
• 1 Cucumber, diced
• 1 Carrot, grated
• ¹⁄₂ Onion, finely chopped
• Juice of 1 lemon
• Salt to taste
• Black pepper to taste
• A handful of chopped mint or coriander for freshness

Steps to Prepare:

1. Mix all the vegetables with the sprouted moong in a large bowl.

2. Add lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Toss well to combine.

3. Optionally, add some nuts or seeds like walnuts or sunflower seeds for extra crunch.

4. Serve immediately or let it marinate for a while to enhance flavors.

🌱 Note: Sprouting moong takes about 24 hours. Rinse and soak the beans, then drain and leave them in a warm, dark place to sprout.

Moong Dal Halwa

If you’re looking for something sweet and indulgent, try making Moong Dal Halwa. This dessert is rich and creamy, perfect for festivals or a special treat.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup Green moong dal
• 1 cup Sugar
• ¹⁄₂ cup Ghee
• ¹⁄₂ cup Milk
• ¹⁄₂ teaspoon Cardamom powder
• Almonds and cashews for garnish

Steps to Prepare:

1. Soak the moong dal for 3-4 hours, drain, and grind to a coarse paste.

2. In a heavy-bottomed pan, heat ghee and fry the dal paste until it turns golden brown. This might take up to 20-30 minutes.

3. Meanwhile, make sugar syrup by dissolving sugar in equal parts water over low heat. Add cardamom powder to this syrup.

4. Add milk gradually to the roasted dal, stirring continuously to avoid lumps. Keep cooking until the mixture thickens.

5. Finally, add the sugar syrup, continue to stir until the halwa reaches your desired consistency.

6. Garnish with nuts and serve warm.

Moong Beans Soup

A warm bowl of Moong Bean Soup is ideal for cold nights or when you’re looking for something soothing and filling.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup Green moong (split or whole)
• 1 Onion, finely chopped
• 2 Garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tablespoon Oil
• 2 Carrots, diced
• 1 Potato, diced
• 1 Celery stalk, chopped
• 6 cups Vegetable or chicken broth
• ¹⁄₂ teaspoon Thyme
• Salt and pepper to taste

Steps to Prepare:

1. In a pot, heat oil, add garlic and onion, and sauté until translucent.

2. Add the carrots, potato, and celery, cook for a few minutes.

3. Stir in the moong beans, followed by the broth. Season with thyme, salt, and pepper.

4. Bring to a boil, then simmer for about 40 minutes or until the beans are tender.

5. Optionally, blend some or all of the soup for a creamier texture.

Moong Dal and Spinach Dosa

This innovative recipe combines the traditional South Indian dosa with a healthy twist using Moong Dal and Spinach.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup Green moong dal
• 1 cup Rice
• 1 cup Spinach, washed and chopped
• 1 tablespoon Fenugreek seeds
• Water for soaking and grinding
• Salt to taste
• Oil for cooking

Steps to Prepare:

1. Soak the moong dal, rice, and fenugreek seeds together for 4-6 hours.

2. Grind to a smooth batter with spinach, adding water as needed. The consistency should be pourable.

3. Add salt, mix well, and allow to ferment for 6-8 hours or overnight.

4. Heat a non-stick pan, pour batter, and spread into a thin circle. Drizzle oil around the edges.

5. Cook until the dosa is crisp and golden, then flip and cook the other side briefly.

🌱 Note: Fermentation improves digestibility and adds a slight sour taste, which complements the dosa's flavor.

As we've explored, green moong can be transformed into an array of delightful dishes, from savory khichdi to sweet halwa, nutritious salads to heartwarming soups, and even innovative dosas. Each recipe not only caters to different tastes but also brings its own set of health benefits, making green moong a fantastic ingredient to incorporate into your diet. Whether you're seeking comfort food or a lighter meal, these recipes have you covered. Remember, cooking with love and experimenting with flavors can turn everyday meals into something extraordinary.