Savory Mung Bean Delight
Savor the rich flavors of this delightful mung bean curry, inspired by Uncle Bill's cherished recipe. Packed with protein-rich mung beans and a blend of aromatic spices, this dish offers a heartwarming taste of Indian cuisine. Enjoy a quick and wholesome meal that can be made in under an hour, perfect for weeknights or gatherings with friends and family. Serve it alongside basmati rice or warm naan for an authentic experience.
4
Servings
N/A
Calories
14
Ingredients
Ingredients
mung beans
1 cup (soaked overnight)
canola oil or extra virgin olive oil
2 teaspoons (for cooking)
black mustard seeds
1/4 teaspoon (whole)
whole cumin seed
1/4 teaspoon (whole)
turmeric
1/4 teaspoon (ground)
crushed tomatoes
3/4 cup (with liquid if using canned)
garlic clove
1 (crushed)
freshly grated gingerroot
1/2 teaspoon (fresh)
ground coriander
1/2 teaspoon (ground)
ground cumin
1/2 teaspoon (ground)
granulated sugar
1/4 teaspoon (for sweetness)
salt
1/4 teaspoon (to taste)
water
2 cups (for cooking)
fresh cilantro leaves
1/4 cup (chopped for garnishing)
Instructions
1
Begin by rinsing the soaked mung beans thoroughly under cold water and draining well. Set them aside for later use.
2
In a large frying pan, heat the canola or olive oil over medium-high heat until shimmering.
3
Combine the black mustard seeds, whole cumin seeds, and turmeric in a small bowl. Carefully add this spice mixture to the hot oil, covering the pan immediately. Shake the pan gently for about 1 minute, or until the seeds start to pop.
4
Stir in the crushed tomatoes (with their liquid if using canned), crushed garlic, freshly grated ginger, ground coriander, ground cumin, granulated sugar, and salt. Cook for 3 to 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the mixture is bubbling and aromatic.
5
In a medium saucepan, add the drained mung beans and 2 cups of water. Bring to a boil, then cover and reduce the heat to a simmer. Cook for about 20 minutes, or until the mung beans are tender.
6
Once cooked, drain the mung beans and fold them into the tomato and spice mixture in the frying pan.
7
Remove from heat, and gently stir in the chopped fresh cilantro until well combined.
8
Serve the curry warm, garnished with additional cilantro if desired. Enjoy with rice or naan!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Savory Mung Bean Delight?
It is a flavorful Indian-inspired mung bean curry that is protein-rich and aromatic, based on a recipe from Uncle Bill.
Is Savory Mung Bean Delight a vegan dish?
Yes, this recipe is vegan-friendly as it uses plant-based ingredients like mung beans, vegetables, and oil.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, the recipe is naturally gluten-free, making it suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe is designed to provide 4 servings.
Do I need to soak the mung beans before cooking?
Yes, the mung beans should be soaked overnight and then rinsed thoroughly before use.
What type of oil is recommended for this curry?
You can use either canola oil or extra virgin olive oil to heat the spices.
How long does it take to prepare this meal?
The entire dish can be prepared in under an hour, making it an excellent choice for a quick weeknight meal.
What spices are used in the initial oil tempering?
The oil is tempered with black mustard seeds, whole cumin seeds, and ground turmeric.
How do I know when the seeds are ready in the oil?
The seeds are ready when they start to pop, which usually takes about 1 minute of shaking the pan.
What kind of tomatoes should I use?
The recipe calls for 3/4 cup of crushed tomatoes; if using canned, include the liquid.
Is fresh ginger used in this recipe?
Yes, the recipe requires 1/2 teaspoon of freshly grated gingerroot for an authentic flavor.
Why is sugar added to the curry?
A small amount of granulated sugar is added to balance the savory and aromatic spices with a hint of sweetness.
How long should the mung beans simmer?
The mung beans should simmer for about 20 minutes or until they are tender.
What should I serve with Savory Mung Bean Delight?
It is traditionally served alongside basmati rice or warm naan bread.
How much water is needed to cook the mung beans?
You will need 2 cups of water to boil and simmer the 1 cup of soaked mung beans.
Is this curry considered spicy?
Yes, the dish is tagged as spicy, reflecting its aromatic and bold Indian spice profile.
How much ground coriander is used?
The recipe uses 1/2 teaspoon of ground coriander.
When should I add the fresh cilantro?
Stir in the chopped fresh cilantro after removing the pan from the heat to preserve its flavor and color.
What is the total number of ingredients?
There are 14 ingredients listed for this savory mung bean dish.
Can I use garlic powder instead of fresh garlic?
The recipe specifies 1 crushed garlic clove for the best aromatic results.
What is the main protein source in this meal?
The main protein source is the 1 cup of mung beans.
What is the first step in the instructions?
The first step is to rinse the soaked mung beans thoroughly under cold water and drain them.
How should the tomato and spice mixture be cooked?
It should be cooked for 3 to 5 minutes until it is bubbling and aromatic.
What is the purpose of the turmeric?
Turmeric provides both a warm, earthy flavor and a vibrant yellow color to the curry.
Is this dish high in protein?
Yes, mung beans are a high-protein legume, and the dish is tagged as high protein.
What type of mustard seeds are required?
The recipe specifically calls for 1/4 teaspoon of black mustard seeds.
Is this recipe suitable for gatherings?
Yes, its wholesome and heartwarming nature makes it perfect for family gatherings or meals with friends.
How much salt is recommended for this recipe?
The recipe suggests 1/4 teaspoon of salt, though you can adjust this to taste.
Can I garnish the dish before serving?
Yes, you can garnish the warm curry with additional fresh cilantro leaves if desired.
What is the role of cumin in this recipe?
Cumin is used in two forms: whole cumin seeds for the oil tempering and ground cumin for the sauce mixture.