Savory Mung Bean Porridge
How to Make Delicious and Nutritious Mung Bean Porridge at Home
Enjoy a hearty and comforting bowl of savory mung bean porridge, perfect for a healthy and filling meal. While soaking the mung beans might seem time-consuming, the overall process is surprisingly simple once the beans are pre-soaked. This recipe will guide you to a wonderfully nutty and smooth porridge.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup husked mung beans
- 2/3 cup short-grain rice
- Pinch of salt
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
For a richer flavor and added nutrition, you can cook mung bean porridge with the skins on. However, if you prefer a smoother texture without the slightly gritty feel of the skins, using husked mung beans is recommended. You can choose based on your preference.
Step 2
First, rinse the husked mung beans thoroughly under running water. Place the rinsed mung beans in a bowl and add about three times their volume in water. Let them soak for 4 to 5 hours. If you’re short on time, you can soak them the night before to use the next morning.
Step 3
After soaking, you’ll notice the mung beans have plumped up significantly. Soaking them well ensures they cook down to a soft, creamy consistency for the porridge. If you need to speed things up, a pressure cooker can also be used to reduce the cooking time.
Step 4
Once the mung beans have soaked for at least 4 hours, give them another quick rinse and drain them well.
Step 5
Rinse the short-grain rice and soak it for about 1 to 2 hours. Soaking the rice beforehand will make the porridge much smoother and contribute to a richer, nuttier flavor.
Step 6
In a pot, combine the soaked mung beans with 1 liter (about 4 cups) of fresh water. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat to medium-low, cover partially, and simmer for about 20 minutes. This initial cooking stage will soften the mung beans.
Step 7
As the mung beans cook, they will gradually deepen in color and begin to break down, becoming softer. A pleasant, nutty aroma, similar to rice water, will start to fill the air.
Step 8
Skim off any foam that rises to the surface during cooking. Removing this foam will result in a cleaner-tasting and smoother porridge.
Step 9
After about 20 minutes of simmering, check if the mung beans are tender. They should be easily mashable with a fork or spoon.
Step 10
Now it’s time to add the soaked rice. If you prefer some texture in your porridge, you can add the rice as is and continue cooking. However, for a creamier and more uniform consistency, you can use an immersion blender or a regular blender to partially puree the mung beans. Blend only about two-thirds of the beans, leaving some whole for a pleasant chew.
Step 11
Add the soaked rice and another 2 cups (about 500ml) of water to the pot. Stir well to prevent the rice from clumping.
Step 12
From this point onwards, it’s crucial to stir the porridge frequently to prevent it from sticking to the bottom of the pot. Cook over medium heat, stirring continuously, for about 30 minutes. This constant stirring is key to achieving a perfectly cooked porridge, transforming it into a thick, creamy consistency.
Step 13
Once the porridge has reached your desired thickness, season it with salt. It’s best to start with a small amount and add more to taste. The natural nutty flavor of the mung beans is quite pronounced, so salt alone is often sufficient to bring out the best taste.
Step 14
Porridge tends to thicken as it cools. Even if it appears a bit thin while cooking, it will reach the perfect consistency once served and allowed to sit for a few minutes.
Step 15
Finally, ladle the finished mung bean porridge into serving bowls. The deep, rich color is a testament to its healthy ingredients and promises a comforting and satisfying meal. Enjoy your homemade porridge!
