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Mung Beans An Ideal Nutritional Source

Mung Beans – An Ideal Nutritional Source

Mung beans are a kind of tiny green legumes. Commonly referred to as bean sprouts in the Asian region these bens are richly abundant in protein, fiber, antioxidants, and phytonutrients. You might be wondering if lentils and beans are the same or different? Well, they belong to the same plant family which also has adzuki beans, alfalfa sprouts, and green peas as its many variants.

Mung beans find their way in several culinary dishes globally now, although mostly witnessed in India, China, the Philippines, and Korea. Mung beans, just like black beans or chickpeas have immense health benefits associated with it. Now, it is widely accessible in the form of capsules, powders, and even as canned soups. Find your preferred variety at an Indian grocery store online.

Know about some of its wondrous health benefits of mung beans that will surely make you want to try out its delicious recipes –

·  Mung beans are a rich powerhouse of nutrients, comprising of manganese, potassium, magnesium, folate, copper, zinc, and several B vitamins.

·  They are very satiating food, abundant in fiber, protein, and starch-free.

·  There are many varieties in which you can consume them. Available in roasted powder, whole beans, split peeled, bean noodles, and sprouted seeds.

·  These seeds can also be consumed raw, cooked (whole or split), fermented or milled, and ground into flour.

·  Owing to their high nutrient density, they are believed to be beneficial to protect against various chronic, age-concerning diseases, comprising of heart disease, cancer, diabetes, and even obesity.

Check out some delicious recipes which are not just healthy, but extremely nutritious and you can even prepare regularly. Look for mung beans at an online Indian grocery delivery in Toronto

1.  Green moong dal

If you like lentil curry or dal, you might have savored yellow dal or dal makhani at restaurants before. Although have you tried the green moong dal? This a great and easy one-pot dish which doesn’t require much effort and is extremely good for digestion. In a pot add some oil, cumin seeds, green chilies, grated ginger-garlic, sliced onions, and tomato puree. Add your spices of choice, salt, turmeric, and mix the dal with water according to your preferred consistency.

2.  Moong chilla

In the Indian version of pancakes, there are several varieties to prepare chilla. One such popular variant is the moong dal chilla. It is a great vegan and gluten-free recipe. Although it does require some prior preparation. Soak the moong dal overnight. If you don’t have much time, you can soak it for a minimum of 3 hours or a max of 6 hours. Add soaked dal in a grinder with some ginger and garlic and green chilies. Make sure to add water to create a thick and smooth consistency, which isn’t too runny or watery. Once the batter is set, add spices of choice, salt, turmeric, and whisk the batter to make it light and airy. Ensure to use a heavy bottom pan or a non-stick and only add the batter once the pan is hot. Serve it with mint chutney or scrambled cottage cheese.

3.  Moong sprouts

You can either put clean washed moong beans in a thin cotton cloth and hang it for a couple of days till you see the sprouts coming up or place the dal in a container till it starts sprouting. Once your sprouts are ready, there are endless ways you can enjoy them. If you want something simple, just add squeeze lime and sliced tomatoes. For a fancier salad, toss in your favorite veggies with moong sprouts, croutons, cottage cheese, and your dressing of choice.

4.  Moong dal halwa

A classic and traditional Indian sweet dish, you can find it in all Indian weddings, especially during the winters. Use yellow moong dal, rinse it and grind it to a coarse paste. Add lots of ghee in a pan and when it turns warm, fry semolina in it. Then add the coarse moong dal paste and keep stirring it till it gets even in texture and gets mixed with the ghee completely. The dal turns sandy and golden when done, add milk slowly so that there are no lumps. Remember to keep stirring throughout. At last, add sugar and dissolve it in the halwa. For a richer flavor, add some saffron and dry fruits. 

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