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Easy Mung Bean Curry Recipes

Mung bean curry is a popular dish in Southeast Asian cuisine, particularly in Thailand and India. It's made with split mung beans, which have been dried and processed to remove their outer skin, leaving just the white inner seed. When cooked, these beans become soft and creamy, making them a great base for curries. In this article, we'll explore some easy recipes that showcase the versatility of mung bean curry.

Essential Ingredients

Before diving into the recipes, it's essential to note that you'll need the following ingredients as a base:

  • 1 cup split mung beans (also known as green gram or moong dal)
  • 2 cups water
  • Salt, to taste
  • Vegetable oil or ghee for frying

Recipe 1: Simple Mung Bean Curry

Servings: 4-6 people​

Prep Time: 15 minutes​

Cook Time: 25 minutes​

Total Time: 40 minutes​

This recipe is a straightforward, comforting curry perfect for weeknight meals. It requires just a few ingredients beyond the mung beans.

  • 1 cup split mung beans
  • 2 cups water
  • 1 tablespoon vegetable oil or ghee
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon grated ginger
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:​

  1. Rinse the mung beans and soak them in water for at least 4 hours or overnight.
  2. Drain the water and pressure cook the mung beans with 2 cups of new water until they're soft.
  3. Heat oil in a pan over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until it's translucent.
  4. Add the minced garlic and grated ginger; fry for another minute.
  5. Combine the cooked mung beans, cumin powder, salt, and pepper in the same pan. Mix well to combine with the onion mixture.
  6. Simmer everything together for about 10 minutes or until the flavors are fully incorporated.

Recipe 2: Coconut Mung Bean Curry

Servings: 4-6 people​

Prep Time: 15 minutes​

Cook Time: 25 minutes​

Total Time: 40 minutes​

This recipe is a richer, creamier version of mung bean curry. It adds coconut milk for an extra layer of flavor and texture.

  • 1 cup split mung beans
  • 2 cups water
  • 1 tablespoon vegetable oil or ghee
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon grated ginger
  • 1 can coconut milk (14 oz)
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:​

  1. Rinse the mung beans and soak them in water for at least 4 hours or overnight.
  2. Drain the water and pressure cook the mung beans with 2 cups of new water until they're soft.
  3. Heat oil in a pan over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until it's translucent.
  4. Add the minced garlic and grated ginger; fry for another minute.
  5. Combine the cooked mung beans, coconut milk, salt, and pepper in the same pan. Mix well to combine with the onion mixture.
  6. Simmer everything together for about 10 minutes or until the flavors are fully incorporated.

Recipe 3: Spicy Mung Bean Curry

Servings: 4-6 people​

Prep Time: 15 minutes​

Cook Time: 25 minutes​

Total Time: 40 minutes​

This recipe adds a spicy kick to your mung bean curry. It's perfect for those who enjoy the heat.

  • 1 cup split mung beans
  • 2 cups water
  • 1 tablespoon vegetable oil or ghee
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon grated ginger
  • 1-2 green chilies (depending on desired spice level)
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:​

  1. Rinse the mung beans and soak them in water for at least 4 hours or overnight.
  2. Drain the water and pressure cook the mung beans with 2 cups of new water until they're soft.
  3. Heat oil in a pan over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until it's translucent.
  4. Add the minced garlic, grated ginger, and green chilies; fry for another minute.
  5. Combine the cooked mung beans, salt, and pepper in the same pan. Mix well to combine with the onion mixture.
  6. Simmer everything together for about 10 minutes or until the flavors are fully incorporated.

These recipes offer a variety of ways to enjoy mung bean curry. You can adjust the spice level or add other ingredients to make it your own. Experiment and find the perfect combination that suits your taste buds.