
Mung Bean
Mung beans are small, round legumes, typically green but also available in yellow and black varieties. Known for their mild, slightly sweet and nutty flavor, mung beans have a smooth, creamy texture when cooked properly. They are incredibly versatile and are often used in both savory and sweet dishes. These beans are a nutritional powerhouse, packed with protein and fiber, making them a popular and healthy ingredient for a balanced diet. Sprouted mung beans are especially popular in salads and stir-fries for a fresh, crunchy element. Discover the culinary possibilities of this delicious and nutritious legume!
Common Uses
- Used to make mung bean sprouts: Mung beans are soaked and sprouted, resulting in crisp, refreshing sprouts that are commonly added to salads, sandwiches, and Asian stir-fries for added texture and nutritional value. - As an ingredient in Indian dals and curries: Mung beans are a key ingredient in various Indian dishes like dal makhani, where they are simmered with spices and lentils to create a creamy, flavorful lentil soup or stew. - In desserts like sweet mung bean soup and fillings: Mung beans are cooked until soft and mashed to create sweet fillings for pastries or used as a base for creamy, sweet soups often flavored with coconut milk and sweeteners in Asian cuisines. - Used to make mung bean noodles: Mung bean starch is extracted and processed to create translucent, glass-like noodles, which are frequently used in stir-fries, spring rolls, and soups, offering a unique texture.- Preparing Mung Bean Flour: Mung beans can be ground into flour and used in gluten-free baking applications such as pancakes, breads, and flatbreads, adding protein and nutrients to the recipes. - Fermented to make Tempeh: Similar to soybeans, mung beans can be fermented to make tempeh, a firm, nutty, and protein-rich food that can be used as a plant-based meat alternative in stir-fries, sandwiches, and grilled dishes.
Nutrition (per serving)
Nutrition (per serving)
Calories
347.0kcal (17.35%)
Protein
23.9g (47.8%)
Carbs
62.6g (22.77%)
Sugars
6.6g (13.2%)
Healthy Fat
0.6g
Unhealthy Fat
0.3g
% Daily Value based on a 2000 calorie diet
Nutrition (per serving)
Calories
347.0kcal (17.35%)
Protein
23.9g (47.8%)
Carbs
62.6g (22.77%)
Sugars
6.6g (13.2%)
Healthy Fat
0.6g
Unhealthy Fat
0.3g
% Daily Value based on a 2000 calorie diet
Health Benefits
- Excellent source of plant-based protein for muscle building and repair.
- Rich in fiber, promoting healthy digestion and preventing constipation.
- High in antioxidants, fighting free radicals and reducing chronic disease risk.
- May help lower cholesterol levels and improve heart health.
- Good source of essential minerals like magnesium, potassium, and folate.
- Can aid in weight management due to its high protein and fiber content, promoting satiety.
Substitutes
Storage Tips
Mung beans should be stored in an airtight container in a cool, dry, and dark place, like a pantry or cupboard. Properly stored, dried mung beans can last for several years. Cooked mung beans should be refrigerated in an airtight container and consumed within 3-5 days. Freezing cooked mung beans is also an option; portion them into freezer-safe bags or containers and they can last for up to 2-3 months. Ensure they are completely cooled before freezing to maintain quality.
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