Spicy Hearty Mung Bean & Ham Soup
Discover the bold flavors and comforting warmth of this Spicy Hearty Mung Bean & Ham Soup. Inspired by my exploration of local markets, this nourishing dish combines whole mung beans, known for their rich protein and fiber content, with a medley of sautéed garlic, chilies, and onions that bring a delightful heat to every spoonful. The addition of tender diced ham enhances the soup's heartiness, while frozen spinach adds vibrant color and nutrition. Perfect for chilly days, this one-bowl meal pairs beautifully with crusty bread or rice. Best of all, this versatile recipe can easily be adapted for vegetarian diets by omitting the ham and substituting the chicken stock with vegetable broth, making it a suitable option for everyone.
6
Servings
83
Calories
11
Ingredients
Ingredients
whole mung beans
2 cups (picked over, washed, and drained)
water
4 cups
garlic cloves
4 (finely minced)
chilies
2 (finely chopped (seeds removed, if desired))
onion
1/2 (finely chopped)
olive oil
2 tablespoons
chicken stock
3 cups
cooked ham
2 cups (diced)
frozen spinach
10 ounces (thawing is not necessary)
salt and pepper
to taste
Tabasco sauce
to serve (optional)
Instructions
1
In a large pot, add the washed mung beans and pour in 4 cups of water. Bring the mixture to a boil over high heat.
2
Once boiling, reduce the heat to a simmer and cook the beans for 30 to 40 minutes, or until most of the beans have burst their skins and the water has been absorbed. If the beans remain firm and the water evaporates, add more water as needed and continue cooking until soft. It's better to err on the side of overcooking than undercooking the beans.
3
While the beans are cooking, heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic, chopped chilies, and finely chopped onion. Sauté for about 5 minutes until the onion is soft and translucent. Remove from heat and set aside.
4
Once the mung beans are cooked, pour in the chicken stock and bring it back to a gentle boil.
5
Stir in the sautéed onion mixture, diced ham, and frozen spinach. Reduce the heat and let it simmer for an additional 15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
6
Taste the soup and season with salt and pepper according to your preference. Serve hot, with Tabasco sauce on the side for those who enjoy an extra kick.
Nutrition Information
2.3
Fat
14
Carbs
14
Protein
5.5
Fiber
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the primary ingredients in this soup?
The primary ingredients include whole mung beans, diced cooked ham, frozen spinach, chicken stock, garlic, chilies, and onion.
How long does it take to cook the mung beans?
The mung beans should be simmered for 30 to 40 minutes, or until most of the beans have burst their skins and the water has been absorbed.
Do I need to soak the mung beans before cooking?
The recipe does not require soaking; however, the beans should be picked over, washed, and drained before starting.
Can I make this soup vegetarian?
Yes, you can easily make this vegetarian by omitting the ham and substituting the chicken stock with vegetable broth.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe makes approximately 6 servings.
Is this soup high in protein?
Yes, it contains 14 grams of protein per serving, primarily from the mung beans and the ham.
What should I do if the water evaporates before the beans are soft?
If the water evaporates while the beans remain firm, simply add more water as needed and continue cooking until they are soft.
Do I need to thaw the frozen spinach before adding it?
No, thawing the frozen spinach is not necessary before adding it to the soup.
What type of chilies should I use?
The recipe calls for 2 finely chopped chilies. You can choose the variety based on your heat preference and remove seeds for a milder flavor.
How is the spicy heat delivered in this recipe?
The heat comes from the saut ed chilies mixed into the soup and the optional addition of Tabasco sauce when serving.
Is it better to undercook or overcook the beans?
It is better to err on the side of overcooking the beans rather than undercooking them to ensure a hearty, soft texture.
What is the calorie count per serving?
Each serving contains approximately 83 calories.
Can I use fresh spinach instead of frozen?
While the recipe specifies frozen spinach, fresh spinach can be used; just be aware it will wilt much faster and may require a larger volume initially.
What can I serve with Spicy Hearty Mung Bean & Ham Soup?
This soup pairs beautifully with crusty bread or a side of rice.
What is the fat content of this dish?
The soup contains approximately 2.3 grams of fat per serving.
Is this soup a good source of fiber?
Yes, with 5.5 grams of fiber per serving, mung beans provide a significant nutritional boost.
How long should I simmer the soup after adding the ham and spinach?
After adding the onion mixture, ham, and spinach, let the soup simmer for an additional 15 minutes.
What oil is recommended for saut ing the aromatics?
The recipe recommends using 2 tablespoons of olive oil.
Does the recipe contain dairy?
No, this recipe is naturally dairy-free.
How many carbohydrates are in a serving?
There are approximately 14 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
Can I use dried ham?
The recipe calls for 2 cups of diced cooked ham, which provides tenderness and flavor.
What is the total number of ingredients needed?
There are 11 ingredients listed in the recipe.
Is this recipe considered easy?
Yes, it is tagged as an easy recipe and involves simple boiling, saut ing, and simmering steps.
How much garlic is required?
The recipe calls for 4 cloves of garlic, finely minced.
What tags describe this recipe?
Tags include mung beans, soup, hearty meal, spicy, one-dish meal, vegetarian option, comfort food, healthy, high-protein, and easy recipe.
Can I adjust the salt and pepper levels?
Yes, you should taste the soup at the end and season with salt and pepper according to your personal preference.
Is the onion saut ed separately?
Yes, the garlic, chilies, and onion are saut ed in a skillet with olive oil for about 5 minutes before being added to the soup pot.
What color does the spinach add to the soup?
The frozen spinach adds a vibrant green color to the dish.
Is this a one-bowl meal?
Yes, the recipe description notes that it is a nourishing one-bowl meal.
Should I keep the seeds in the chilies?
The recipe suggests removing the seeds if you want to reduce the intensity of the heat.